Now at Nicholls

Celebrate Louisiana’s culinary tradition Monday, March 9, at the 12th annual Lafcadio Hearn Award Dinner and Distinguished Visiting Chef Series, presented by the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University.

The award dinner will begin with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by the distinguished visiting chef’s presentation and dinner at 7 p.m., all at Cypress Columns, located at 157 Tourist Drive in Gray.

For ticket information, call (985) 449-7114.

The event will honor Susan Spicer, executive chef and co-owner of Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans. The Lafcadio Hearn award is given to culinary professionals who have had a long-term, positive influence on the cuisine and culture of Louisiana and the nation. Hearn, who died in 1904, wrote a series of books and articles that introduced New Orleans to the world and helped document Creole cuisine for future generations.

The evening’s dinner will feature dishes created by distinguished visiting chef Stephen Stryjewski, chef and co-owner of Cochon Restaurant in New Orleans. The menu will include Duck Liver Terrine with Pepper Jelly and Smoked Candied Pecans; Shaved Mushroom Salad with Deep Fried Jerky, Herbs and Local Goat Cheese; Smothered, Smoked Pork Shoulder with Sauerkraut; and Vinegar Pie with Strawberries.

Stryjewski’s culinary experience is extensive. Educated at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., he later traveled throughout Europe to research various culinary traditions. Upon his return home, he worked in such establishments as Tra Vigne in the Napa Valley of California; Commander’s Palace in New Orleans; the Blue Point Bar and Grill in the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and Vidalia Restaurant in Washington, D.C. Ultimately settling in New Orleans, Stryjewski helped open Dante’s Kitchen and later joined Herbsaint Restaurant, where he became sous chef. He later co-founded Cochon with Herbsaint owner and chef, Donald Link. Cochon features regional cuisine, local ingredients and homemade products in a small plate format.

Honoree Susan Spicer’s contributions to the culinary arts are evident via her numerous awards and honors. They include Food and Wine’s Best New Chefs Award in 1989; the James Beard Award for Best Chef, Southeast Region, in 1993; Mondavi Culinary Excellence Award in 1995; induction into Food and Wine’s Best New Chef Hall of Fame in 2008; and New Orleans Magazine’s Best New Cookbook award in 2008. In addition, Bayona Restaurant was featured as a 1996 Ivy Award winner for Restaurants and Institutions, and in 1998 the restaurant was named to the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame. Bayona was also awarded “5 Beans” – the highest restaurant rating by the New Orleans Times Picayune – and has been listed since 1995 as one of the top five New Orleans restaurants by the Zagat Guide for New Orleans.

LOCATION: Plantation Suite, Bollinger Memorial Student Union

What impression would you make if you had an interview over lunch? Come enjoy a delicious four-course meal and learn about dining etiquette!

Learn how you should behave at a formal dinner from a certified business etiquette consultant. Admission is $25 and includes soup, salad, entrée (choice of chicken or fish), and dessert. Dress is business casual.

Tickets must be purchased in advance in 146 Powell Hall by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5.

For more information contact Annette Adams at 448-4175.

This event is hosted by the Society for Human Resource Management and sponsored by the Office of Career Services.

Dr. Al Delahaye, professor emeritus of journalism at Nicholls State University, will be recognized for 52 years of service to Nicholls at a tribute dinner Saturday, March 14, in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union.

Sponsored by the Department of Mass Communication and Friends of Al Delahaye, the event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Former Louisiana congressman and 1964 Nicholls graduate Billy Tauzin will serve as master of ceremonies.

The public is encouraged to send a personal note to Delahaye at delahayedinner@nicholls.edu for inclusion in a commemorative scrapbook documenting the event.

For further details, including reservation information, call (985) 448-4586, or send an e-mail with an appropriate subject line to delahayedinner@nicholls.edu.

Additional information is available at www.nicholls.edu/maco/aldelahaye.

Come meet the candidates for Student Government Association president and Student Programming Association president and vice president. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls will also be introduced.

TIME:  Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 18

LOCATION:  Snack bar area, Bollinger Memorial Student Union

The entire Bayou Region is invited to the first ever Louisiana Swamp Stomp Festival, slated for Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, 2009. Swamp Stomp promises to be a unique, joyful celebration of south Louisiana culture.

For additional information, click here.