Culinary Awards Competition
and Restaurant Registration

Calling All Chefs & Restaurateurs!

$2,000 Grand Prize Package**

$1,000 to Best of Show Savory Winner

$1,000 to Best of Show Sweet Winner

Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals in 5 Categories

It is with great excitement that the NOWFE Board of Directors invites you to participate in the 2024 NOWFE Culinary Awards Competition. Restaurant participation optimizes visibility and highlights your restaurant's cuisine and chef during our Premiere Events: Vinola, Tournament of Rosés and the Grand Tasting.

THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION FOR NOWFE CULINARY AWARDS IS CLOSE OF BUSINESS FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024. 

• Dishes will be judged in five categories: Seafood,  Meat & Poultry, Soups, Stews & Gumbos; Lagniappe (Pasta, Rice Dishes, Vegetarian & some mixed category items) and Desserts. 

• Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals will be awarded in each category. The Best of Show Medal + Cash Prize will also be awarded for Best of Show Savory and Best of Show Sweet.

• The judging and photography for the competition will take place prior to NOWFE, at your restaurant by appointment on either Wednesday, May 22, 2024 and Thursday, May 23, 2024. Judging Appointments will be scheduled by e-mail after the dish submission deadline has closed. Please include a contact email address and cell phone when registering. 

• The dish that is submitted in the Culinary Awards Competition must be the dish served at either Vinola, Tournament of Rosés or the Grand Tasting.

• STIPEND: NOWFE is providing each participating restaurant a $300 stipend for restaurant participation.

• All submissions will be included in NOWFE's extensive Social Media efforts.

• Winning dishes will also receive enhanced media attention (TBD)

• Judges include local & regional radio, print, television and social media.

• Each restaurant will receive this added marketing benefit and additional media opportunities.

• Restaurants who do not meet Culinary Award Competition Deadlines or choose not to participate in the competition can still participate in the tasting events and will have a standard/traditional listing in the program. You must participate in a NOWFE Tasting(s) event to participate in the competition and receive the marketing benefit.

We appreciate your support throughout the years and encourage you to take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Any Questions?
Kendall Gensler 504.343.2092 kcgensler@gmail.com
Aimee Brown 504.418.6679 aimee.brown@nowfe.com