NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans-based female chefs and restaurateurs will lead a panel discussion next month about the challenges of working in the kitchen and their thoughts on an industry that has been historically dominated by men.
“Open Kitchens: Women Chefs Changing the New Orleans Food Scene,” will be held on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Loyola University. The event is free and open to the public.
Panelists include Kristen Essig of Coquette, Martha Wiggins of Sylvain and Kelly Fields of Willa Jean.
The event will be introduced by food writer Kat Kinsman and moderated by Mary Sonnier of Gabrielle. The chefs will also honor renowned New Orleans restaurateurs, chef Leah Chase and Ella Brennan.
New Loyola scholarship will honor female restaurateurs
In conjunction with the event, The Center for the Study of New Orleans and Women’s Resource Center at Loyola will announce a joint initiative to raise two scholarships, one named for Chase and one named for Brennan, both who have received honorary degrees from Loyola for their character and contributions to New Orleans culture and the national culinary scene.
“Through their trailblazing careers and civic engagement, these women exhibited the sort of perseverance, leadership, and excellence that make them a treasure to our city,” said Justin Nystrom, director of the Center for the Study of New Orleans and associate professor of history at Loyola University New Orleans.
The event will be held at the Louis J. Roussel Auditorium in the Communications and Music Complex on Loyola’s main campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave. Free parking is available in the West Road parking garage. Click here for more information.
-By Jenny Peterson, Associate News Editor, Biz New Orleans
