New Orleans knows how to throw a party, but Hot Dish 2025 isn’t your average fundraiser. On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the city’s hottest chefs will gather at the brand-new Mister Mao Swim Club at The Maidstone for a poolside evening of bold bites, cocktails, and community.
Presented by Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans, this annual event is a culinary “fun-raiser” with heart. Proceeds support the group’s Leading from the Heart Awards, a grant program that empowers women in New Orleans who are making a difference in hospitality, sustainability, and food justice.
This culinary “fun-raiser” supports the local chapter’s Leading from the Heart Awards, a grant program empowering women in the Greater New Orleans community who are changing the face of food in our region.
The Chefs Bringing the Heat
This year’s lineup reads like a roll call of New Orleans’ best kitchens:
-
Sophina Uong, Chef/Owner of Mister Mao and Operating Partner at The Maidstone
-
Kaitlin Guerin, Chef/Owner of Lagniappe Bakehouse
-
Meg Bickford, Executive Chef of Commander’s Palace
-
Maggie Scales, Executive Pastry Chef of La Boulangerie / LRG Pastry
-
Justin Devillier, Chef/Owner of La Petite Grocery
-
Amy Mehrtens, Executive Chef of Copper Vine Restaurant & Inn
-
Chaya Conrad, Chef/Owner of Bywater Bakery
-
Scot Craig, Chef/Owner of Katie’s Restaurant
-
Antoine’s Restaurant
Expect creative dishes like Crispy Rice Salad with Gulf Shrimp, Fried Chicken Skins with Cajun Caviar and Alabama Barbecue, Chicken Coq au Vin, and Roasted Squash & Shellfish Soup with Pumpkin Seed Pistou.
Guests will also enjoy craft cocktails alongside auction and raffle prizes that support a cause with real community impact.
Hot Dish 2025 Party Details
📍 Mister Mao Swim Club at The Maidstone (3522 Tulane Ave.)
📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025
🕠 Patron Party: 5:30 PM
🕕 Reception: 6:30–9:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $100 for general admission | $150 for Patron Party early entry
👉 Get tickets here: lesdamesnola.org/hot-dish-2025
Why It Matters
“Hot Dish is more than a fundraiser—it’s a reflection of the community of women who shape New Orleans’ food and hospitality culture every day,” said Dee Lavigne, chapter president of Les Dames d’Escoffier New Orleans.
By buying a ticket, you’re not just tasting the best of the city; you’re helping fund real opportunities for women who are changing the way New Orleans eats, drinks, and gathers.
Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
Leave a Reply