5th Annual Culinary Arts for Healing Hearts held

The 5th annual Culinary Arts for Healing Hearts was held Tuesday, April 23 at White Oak Plantation. Proceeds from the event benefit the Grief Recovery Center, a non-profit counseling agency serving the Greater Baton Rouge area. Shown at the event are, from left, Jackie Darville, Linda Hirsch, Sam Darville, Martha Spiess, Jan Hirsch, Harriett Walters, Rosie Kiper and Charlotte Edmonston. (This was the group from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, a community partner of Grief Recovery Center. St. Elizabeth’s hosts Grief Recovery Center’s free weekly Thursday night support group at the hospital.) The culinary competition featured sweet and savory food tastings from local chefs, restaurants and caterers. Winners include DeAngelo’s of Central with the Overall Best Dish – White Chocolate Bread Pudding; Big Al’s Jazz It Up with Best Appetizer – Jazz It Up Meatballs; Don’s Seafood with Best Entrée – Crab Au Gratin and Nothing Bundt Cakes with Best Dessert. The night’s festivities were led by Emcee Michelle Southern from 96.1. Auctioneer Brian Fourroux with Brian’s Furniture in Port Allen kept the crowd lively with the live auction. Guests also enjoyed the live music from 5D Band. Top sponsors were Associates in Women’s Health, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and B.R.A.S.S. Surgery Center.