We’re excited to announce that the 7th Annual Tasty Bites of the South Culinary Competition will return on
Monday, August 3, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
This year’s competition will be especially memorable as it takes place during the NACE National Conference, “The Experience.” This marks the first time in over a decade that the conference has returned to our region, making this a truly special year for our local hospitality community.
You do not need to be attending the NACE 2026 Experience Conference to attend – this event is open everyone!
Come Roll Down the Mississippi at The Misi by Messina's riverfront venue! Prepare your palate for an unforgettable evening of flavor and flair as we showcase local chefs and caterers. This one-of-a-kind event invites guests to indulge, vote, dance, and give back — all in one night.
With both a Judges' panel and the People's Choice vote in play, chefs will compete for titles in categories:
Best Tasty Bite
Best Dessert
Best Booth Presentation
Your tickets will give you access to over 20 tasty bites from all participating restaurants, a full open bar, LIVE entertainment, and so much more!!!
Street Legends Brass Band will headline the night with a special appearance by the beloved
Proceeds are donated to Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is a year-round community that connects people of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities across the country—and across the globe—with a mission of educating, advancing, and supporting the spirits and hospitality industry.
For nearly a quarter century, Tales of the Cocktail has celebrated New Orleans’ legendary cocktail culture while spotlighting the people, places, and ideas from around the world shaping the future of drinks. We hope to see you there! The Foundation would like to invite you to Tales of the Cocktail® as it returns to New Orleans July 19-24, 2026! Join cocktail enthusiasts and industry veterans to explore the theme "Spark," a celebration of the moments, ideas, and connections that ignite progress across the global drinks industry. Discover your new favorite spirits, taste innovative cocktails, and connect with a global community shaping the future of drinks.
GET YOUR TASTY BITES TICKETS HERE!
Tickets are still available!
Members | $125 (Chapters members must use the promo code)
General Admission & Guests | $145
Sponsorship Packages | $400 - $3000
Looking for outfit ideas? Check out our Inspo Board
*Tickets are non-refundable
2026 COMPETITORS
The Mardi Gras School of Cooking and Catering | Raymond Signal, Chef
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter | Thomas Wright, Executive Chef
Blaine Guillot Private Chef | Blaine Guillot, Owner & Chef
Dickie Brennan Catering & Events | Matthew Diunizio, Chef de Cuisine
J Lewis Ice Carvings | Jason Lewis, Owner & Chef
Mirepoix Event Catering | Ryan School, Executive Chef
Pigéon Catering & Events | Rachel Boullion, Executive Pastry Chef
Public Service at The NOPSI Hotel | Adam Korbel, Executive Chef
Saint John | Darren Chabert, Executive Chef
Toulouse Gourmet Catering | Mike Reynolds, Chef
Elysian Events Catering | Brandon Blackwell, Owner & Chef
12 Seasons Catering & Events / Mr Mudbug | James Tolento, Executive Chef
Messina's Catering | Mark Daniels, Chef
Feliciana | Patrick Teagle, Chef de Cuisine
Ruby Slipper | Teresa Viera, Culinary Operation Partner
The Chicory | Jayce Poree, Chef
Southerns | Anthony Cruz, Owner
Royal Sonesta New Orleans | Glenworth Clark | Executive Chef
Shay's Sweet Generations | Shay Richard- Guilbeau | Owner / Cake Artist
Acme Oyster House | Tony Rodrigue, F&B Director
Aritza's Kitchen | Aritza Garcia, Owner & Chef
Sweet Anoni’s | Veneatra Johnson, Owner & Chef
Baldylock's BBQ & Catering, LLC | Matthew Bordelon, Owner & Chef
Chef On A Roll | Branden Ervin, Chef Creator & Owner
MEET THE JUDGES
Thank you to our sponsors:
What Else To Do in NOLA!
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Aquariums & Zoo
Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium
Cocktail Experiences & Tours
Cooking Schools
NIGHT LIFE
Jazz Clubs, Music Halls, Live Music & Night Clubs
RESTAURANTS
African - Senegalese - Dakar NOLA
American – Chemin à la Mer & Miss River at Four Seasons Hotel
Bistro – Sylvain
Breakfast / Brunch - Ruby Slipper Cafe
Cajun– Clesi's Seafood Restaurant & Catering
Cajun – Cochon Restaurant
Contemporary Louisiana – Emeril's New Orleans
Contemporary Louisiana – Jack Rose
Contemporary Louisiana – Meril
Contemporary Louisiana – Restaurant R'evolution
Contemporary Louisiana – Zasu
Creole – Antoine's Restaurant, Arnaud's Restaurant, Atchafalaya Restaurant,
Creole - Cafe Sbisa, Chapter IV Restaurant, Commander's Palace, Compère Lapin
Creole – Dooky Chase's Restaurant, Galatoire's
Creole – Jacques-Imo's Cafe, Lil' Dizzy's Cafe
Creole – Mr. B's Bistro, Muriel's Jackson Square, Napoleon House, Tujague's Restaurant
French – Herbsaint, La Petite Grocery, N7, Restaurant August, Vyoone's
Italian - Irene's, Osteria Lupo
Mediterranean – Saba
Mexican – Tacos del Cartel
Sandwich Shop/Deli – Cochon Butcher, Central Grocery, Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Seafood – Dickie Brennan's Bourbon House
Seafood / Oyster - Acme Oyster House, Drago's Seafood Restaurant, Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar,
Seafood / Oyster - Desire at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Seafood – Peche Seafood Grill
Steak - Bon Ton Prime Rib, The Husky, Morrow Steak
Wine – Bacchanal Wine, Copper Vine