ESSENCE 
By Updated June 25, 2024
ESSENCE Festival of Culture is back, and this year, we’re celebrating with good food, great wine and cocktails, and even better conversations. The Food & Wine activation, taking place from July 5-7 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center this year, is stacked, as we’re bringing back the classic food demo moments, where talented chefs share ways to make everything from a bomb breakfast to New Orleans classics in a modern way. We’ll also have fun conversations, from the 101 on wine and learning about the popularity of sober spirits, to insightful discussions on the freedom of farming, how to do away with food waste, and a celebration of African food going global.
Prepare to sip and see all sorts of great things at this year’s Food & Wine event, including the following experiences.
ESSENCE
Breakfast With Bake N Bacon
For some, breakfast is an afterthought. The guys of Bake N Bacon show guests how to make it THE meal of the day by spicing things up in the kitchen with the right mix of ingredients and flavor.
Freedom in Farming
Having access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods is key to reducing the risk of life-threatening health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity that continue to disproportionately affect our communities. This panel will explore how more and more of today’s Black families are working to combat issues like food deserts and unhealthy eating habits by growing their own food. Plus, how farming promotes and preserves our traditional recipes and cooking techniques, and the importance of increasing access to farmers markets and food nutrition programs in our communities.
Let’s Toast: Wine 101
Are you saying the names right? How do you get better at picking out notes in wine? Wine educators will help the audience learn how to best savor flavors, understand what makes the wines so different and distinctive, and become more confident as a burgeoning wine aficionado through a tasting experience highlighting some of our favorite Black-owned wine brands.
Yes, Chef: Cooks Bringing the Caribbean to New Orleans
A chat with NOLA-based chefs about their culinary beginnings, their Caribbean roots, and the connections between their culture and traditional New Orleans cuisine.
A Twist on NOLA Classics
Beloved NOLA chef Ashley Jonique showcases how she puts her own modern, flavorful, one-of-a-kind spin on classic cajun dishes.
A Toast With Tabitha Brown (Sponsored by Target)
We know actress, author and Emmy-winning host Tabitha Brown for her humor, relatable wisdom, and refreshing take on food. She is a connector and culture shaper who has shifted how people relate to food, life, and joy. Join Tabitha together with Peabody award winner and former sommelier Stephen Satterfield for a conversation about the newness in food, wine and culture that are inspiring her today.
From Africa to the World
African culture is exploding in the mainstream. From the music to the dances, thealt=”™” class=”wp-smiley”/> presented by Coca-Cola® will take place July 4-7. For more information and updates on the festival, visit our website and follow us on social media @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
TOPICS: 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture food and drinks
The post Here’s What We’re Cooking Up For The Food & Wine Event At ESSENCE Festival Of Culture appeared first on Essence.
