NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On March 1, leading a festive procession through the French Quarter in celebration of New Orleans’ rich food culture and the people who make the city a world-class culinary destination, the esteemed culinary team of Restaurant August will take center stage as the royal court of the Krewe of Lafcadio Parade.
At the helm of the 2025 Krewe of Lafcadio is Corey Thomas, Executive Chef of Restaurant August, who will reign as King, joined by Executive Pastry Chef Tamber Weiersheuser as Duchess and Executive Sous Chef Hunter Wilkinson as Duke. Together, they embody the heartfelt hospitality and deep appreciation for Creole cuisine and French refinement that defines both Restaurant August and New Orleans itself.
“As a Louisiana native, it’s an incredible honor to be recognized by the Krewe of Lafcadio. The Krewe and Lafcadio himself perfectly embody the sentiment of New Orleanians today, cherishing our cultural treasures while satirizing the dysfunction of our beloved city,” stated Thomas.
Thomas brings a blend of global inspiration and local heritage to his craft. After living in Hong Kong and traveling through Peru, Spain and Thailand, he began his culinary career at Commander’s Palace in the early 2010s. He later played a pivotal role as sous chef at Shaya Restaurant, contributing to the restaurant’s James Beard Award win for Best New Restaurant before transitioning to Domenica in 2017. Since joining the Restaurant August team as Executive Chef in 2022, Thomas has upheld its reputation as a cornerstone of New Orleans fine dining, seamlessly integrating French techniques with the rich flavors of Louisiana and surrounding areas.
For Executive Pastry Chef Tamber Weiersheuser, participating in the Krewe of Lafcadio is a full-circle moment that commemorates the very spirit of Mardi Gras and New Orleans’ culinary magic—a place that first captivated her during a Jazz Fest visit a few years ago.
“During one of my first visits to New Orleans, I dined at Restaurant August, never imagining it would one day become my home,” said Weiersheuser. “The city’s culture, community, and, of course, cuisine left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve never looked back. Being part of Mardi Gras and the Krewe of Lafcadio is an incredible way to celebrate the city that has given me so much.”
A Michelin-starred pastry chef, Weiersheuser honed her craft in culinary hotspots like Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas and New York, working alongside renowned chefs such as Alain Ducasse, Wolfgang Puck and Curtis Stone. Known for her innovative, interactive desserts, she brings a playful artistry to Restaurant August, delighting guests with sweet creations that reflect New Orleans’ festive nature.
Completing the royal trio, Executive Sous Chef Hunter Wilkinson has spent over six years rising through the ranks at Restaurant August, from garde manger to his current leadership role. He thrives on mentoring young chefs and the creative freedom afforded to him by Restaurant August, especially in experimenting with Louisiana ingredients to create unique and memorable dining experiences.
Named for Lafcadio Hearn—the 19th-century journalist and writer who extensively documented New Orleans culture, including the first Creole cooking book about its culinary arts—the Krewe of Lafcadio will kick off at 2 p.m. in front of Antoine’s Restaurant. A mule-drawn float will carry Restaurant August’s royalty, followed by costumed marchers, lively brass bands and the coveted wooden kitchen spoon throws.
Restaurant August will also offer an exclusive specialty cocktail, Clearly King Cake—a refined take on a King Cake in a glass, transformed into a smooth clarified milk punch.
About Restaurant August
Located in the heart of New Orleans, Restaurant August is a prominent fine-dining destination celebrated for its contemporary Creole cuisine, offering a seasonally inspired menu that combines southern Louisiana delicacies prepared with French technique. Recognized by USA Today 10Best as “a life-changing dining experience” and hailed by Condé Nast Traveler as a “flagship New Orleans restaurant,” Restaurant August continues to earn prestigious accolades while remaining true to its roots of heartfelt hospitality. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with an additional Friday lunch service.
