Featuring food from a culinary lineup that has collectively won over 20 James Beard Award medals
New Orleans, Louisiana—The Link Stryjewski Foundation is pleased to announce its list of chefs participating in the 2019 charity Bal Masqué. Set for Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the Sugar Mill in New Orleans, the Link Stryjewski Bal Masqué will follow a special preview Chefs’ Dinner on Friday, January 18, 2019 at Calcasieu hosted by Chefs Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski, co-founders of the Link Stryjewski Foundation, and joined by Chef Andrew Carmellini, Chef Owner of Locanda Verde, The Dutch, Lafayette, and Leuca (New York City). As executive chef and partner of A Voce, Carmellini won a Michelin star. He has earned several James Beard Foundation Awards, including Rising Star Chef and Best Chef in New York City, and was named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine. He has also written two cookbooks with his wife Gwen Hyman, and created the NoHo Hospitality Group, which encompasses 14 food and dining outlets. “Andrew is a good friend and one of the most well-respected chefs in the country, by both diners and chefs,” states Link. “We are honored to have him join us for this spectacular evening of food and fundraising.”
The following additional world-renowned chefs have accepted the invitation to participate on Saturday alongside Chefs Link and Stryjewski: Nina Compton (Compère Lapin, New Orleans), John Currence (City Grocery Restaurant Group, Oxford, MS), Suzanne Goin (Lucques, Los Angeles), Paul Kahan (Big Star, Chicago), Mike Lata (FIG and The Ordinary, Charleston, SC), Nancy Oakes & Dana Younkin (Boulevard, San Francisco), Richard Reddington (Redd, Yountville, CA), Andrea Reusing (Lantern, Chapel Hill), Slade Rushing (Brennan’s, New Orleans), Maggie Scales (Link Restaurant Group, New Orleans), and Frank Stitt (Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham).
“We are grateful that these friends and acclaimed chefs have again agreed to assist us with our annual gala,” states Link. “They invest a great amount of personal time, energy and expense to be a part of this fundraising event and share in our commitment to community.” All proceeds from the Bal Masqué go to help nourish and educate the underserved youth of New Orleans, allowing them to realize their potential and become active, positive members of our community.
Guests at the 4th Annual Link Stryjewski Bal Masqué will experience an evening of extraordinary food with each chef presenting a unique dish, while Mixologist Neal Bodenheimer (Cure Co., New Orleans) will present Caribbean and classic cocktails. There will also be an amazing lineup of nationally recognized musicians and a silent auction throughout the evening. “The mash-up of celebrity chefs with live New Orleans Brass & Funk, Cajun Dancehall and Haitian Vodou Rock ‘n’ Roots music makes for one unforgettable evening,” states Stryjewski. “We guarantee these chefs and musicians will bring a sell-out crowd.”