By Kevin Shannahan
Northwestern State University’s Prather Colosseum was transformed into what was arguably the finest restaurant in the State Friday, April 7th as 20 area establishments presented their best seafood dishes to over 620 eager diners. The event goers enjoyed some of the best seafood dishes to be found as well as entertainment from NSU music students and local bands. A silent auction was also held during the dinner.
The inaugural Flavor of Louisiana is a fundraiser for NSU’s Columns Fund. The funds raised will be used to further the Column Fund’s mission of supporting NSU students with scholarships as well as providing opportunities for students, faculty and staff to reach out to the surrounding community. The event is expected to raise over $50,000.00 for this worthy cause.
Louisiana’s Lt. Gov., Billy Nungesser, was the guest of honor at the event. His office, in conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Board, provided all of the seafood used that night. The Seafood Board is charged with promoting the use of seafood from Louisiana’s waters. The dinner featured each of the 6 species of fish, alligator, crab, oyster, shrimp and crawfish that are native to our state. Lt. Gov. Nungesser and the Seafood Board thought of the Flavor of Louisiana event as a way to both promote the use of local seafood and as a way to raise needed funds for our State’s colleges and universities.
Friday’s Flavor of Louisiana marks the start of what hopefully will become an annual event. The Bayou State features some of the best seafood to be found anywhere!
Sounds like it was a success! Are there any photos of the dishes and seafood?