BY: LEIGH ANN STUART

Chef Soirée 2008 Benefits YSB Charities.

Jim and Stump Henderson, Dr. Richard and Bonnie Drude Chevron sponsors Gerri Porche, Melody Meyer, Tom and Lucy Dwyer, Deidra Owen, Lane Blanchard, Mille and Ken Farmer, Randy and Gisela White and Henry Owen

On March 16, foodies gathered at Bogue Falaya Park in Covington for the Chef Soirée 2008, benefiting the Youth Service Bureau, which serves St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Chase was the presenting sponsor.

The event’s most outstanding feature was the presence of over 85 restaurant and beverage purveyors, including Blue Bell Creameries, Acme Oyster House, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, Glazer’s Companies of Louisiana, Friends Coastal Restaurant, Martin Wine Cellar, Michael’s Restaurant, Abita Brewing Company, Outback Steakhouse, Community Coffee Co. and CC’s Gourmet Coffee. Each establishment prepared enough of their signature dish, or drink, to serve roughly 2,000 people!

In addition to the abundance of delightful eats, the evening featured a car raffle (2008 Pontiac G6 Sedan donated by Brian Harris Autoplex) for CASA, the Court Appointed Special Advocates organization.

Chef Soirée also featured music by five bands; Mainstreet, Louisiana Spice, the Wagners, the Riverside Ramblers, and Eli Seal and Alibi all played to delighted spectators. The evening’s festivities culminated with a fireworks display.    
The Youth Service Bureau aids troubled, high-risk young people in becoming responsible members of the community.