NEW ORLEANS — Meril, Chef Emeril Lagasse’s newest and fourth concept in New Orleans, has been selected to host the first public dinner series as an official event of New Orleans’ Tricentennial celebration.
The summer dinner series, to kick-off in June, will pay homage to the three major cultural culinary influences that have sculpted New Orleans’ unique dining landscape, including Spanish (June 7), French (July 12), and Caribbean (August 2).
“As New Orleans celebrates 300 years, it’s important we pay homage to the various cultures that that have shaped our great city and contributed to our culinary richness,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “From French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Caribbean, African and many other cultures, we have so many ingredients and cuisines that inspire us daily. Chef Will and our team at Meril are excited to showcase and celebrate some of these cuisines through this dinner series.”
Each dinner will feature a five-course menu, curated by Chef Lagasse and Will Avelar, chef de cuisine at Meril, supplemented with wine and cocktail pairings. Throughout the remainder of each month, guests will be able to partake in the celebration by enjoying weekly specials highlighting the respective cuisines.
“The history of New Orleans is best told through food,” said President and CEO of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation Mark Romig. “Chef Lagasse has been instrumental in shining a national spotlight on our cuisine through his restaurants and endeavors, helping to make our city the culinary capital it is today. We are excited to highlight these cultural influences through the first public dinner series event as part of the official tricentennial celebration for all to enjoy.”
On June 7, diners will get a taste of Spain, with featured menu items including Stuffed Calamari; Chef Chris’ Paella; Rack of Lamb with braised chickpeas, pimento mushrooms and piperade; and Churros with chocolate and caramel.
Just in time for Bastille Day – also known as French National Day – guests will indulge in Vichyssoise with ghost pepper caviar, gaufrette potato and chive; Snapper Bouillabaisse with jumbo lump crabmeat, Gulf shrimp and crispy leeks; and Duck Roulade en Crepinette with Lyonnaise potatoes, green peas and Syrah.
In August, Meril will celebrate Caribbean flavors with Spiny Lobster & Kale Calalou with Creole tomato; Whole Fried Lion Fish with mirliton-mango slaw, tostones and tamarind glaze; and Goat Barbacoa with rice and peas, pikliz and roti.
Each dinner is priced at $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity), with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the 2018 NOLA Foundation.
Meril is located at 424 Girod Street and is open for lunch and dinner daily starting at 10:30 a.m. Call (504) 526-3745 or visit Meril’s website to view the entire menu and to make a reservation.