CONVENTION CENTER CATERING - IT HAS TO BE DIFFERENT IN NEW ORLEANS
New Orleans Convention Center Solicits Catering Proposals
New Orleans rightfully claims a spot as one of the world’s top dining destinations and the experience for convention-goers should be exceptional as well. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is taking an entirely “unconventional” approach to soliciting proposals for a new food and beverage service contractor which involves world renowned Louisiana Chef Paul Prudhomme, owner and executive chef of the famed French Quarter restaurant K-Paul’s, among others.
The Convention Center is seeking bids for a food service contractor to start work in 2011. In its search for a new food service contractor, the Center is trying a unique approach to attract a bidder who understands the essence of New Orleans food and will be able to successfully help the Center distinguish itself as a venue with the highest culinary standards, as befits a city that is known for exceptional food and dining experiences.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting was held in the Center’s Ma Maison VIP dining suite where seven prospective bidders were addressed by local industry leaders impressing upon them the important role the winning bid will play in the convention economy of New Orleans.
Among the leaders were Dave McCelvey, vice president of operations for Emeril’s Restaurants; Melvin Rodrigue, general manager and chief operating officer of Galatoire’s Restaurant; Fred Sawyers, general manager of the New Orleans Hilton Riverside; Nikki Nicholson, vice president of convention sales for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Bob Johnson, president/general manager of the Convention Center.
Prospective bidders were then escorted to Café Adelaide, where Ti Martin, co-owner of Café Adelaide and the iconic Commander’s Palace, and Executive Chef Chris Lusk spoke to the prospective bidders about the importance of food to New Orleans. “At lunch, we’re talking about what we’re going to eat for dinner,” joked Lusk.
The afternoon wrapped up at the Convention Center with a cooking demonstration by Chef Paul Prudhomme, who is attributed with the renaissance of New Orleans cuisine. Chef Prudhomme demonstrated the preparation of beef tenderloin and gave prospective bidders a taste of the unique attributes of New Orleans-style cooking.
“I’ve been in this business for over 40 years and this process is one of the more unique I have experienced. The New Orleans Convention Center is looking for a very special focus for its food service program of the future. I am certain the bidders got that message loud and clear,” said Bill Caruso, owner of William Caruso and Associates, a food and beverage industry consulting firm hired by the Convention Center to assist them through the bidding process.
A decision will be made by December 31, 2010.
Chef Paul Prudhomme and Shawn G. McBride,President and CEO of Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends
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New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center President Bob Johnson and Executive Chef Paul Prudhomme of K-Paul’s Restaurant
Ma Maison, the VIP Dining Suite at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
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About the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
With 1.1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space, an award winning staff and first class amenities, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (MCCNO) is the sixth largest convention center in the nation and a consistent Top 10 host of the largest number of conventions and tradeshows annually. A leading rainmaker of the city’s hospitality industry, MCCNO event activity has produced $39.12 billion in economic impact since its 1985 opening, including $2.19 billion in new tax revenue.
