Chef John Folse, pictured here, is one of this year’s Louisiana Restaurant Association award recipients. Photo courtesy of Folse.
The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) announced Monday its 2015 award recipients. The restaurant organization will honor this year’s associate member, restaurateur and advocate of the year and Hall of Fame inductee at the Five Star Futures Gala.
The restaurateur of the year is Melvin Rodrigue, president and CEO of Galatoire’s Restaurant and Galatoire’s 33 Bar and Steak in New Orleans and Galatoire’s Bistro in Baton Rouge.
The Hall of Fame inductee is Chef John Folse, founder of the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and a partner in Restaurant R’evolution in New Orleans.
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The associate member of the year is Brian Girardot, brand support manager of Community Coffee.
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The advocate of the year is state congressman Cedric Richmond.
The gala kicks off Saturday, Aug. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom, Hilton New Orleans Riverside at 2 Poydras St. This event benefits the LRA Education Foundation. Tickets start at $125.
Also at this year’s gala, $70,000 in scholarships will be awarded to more than 30 students to further their post-secondary education in order to pursue careers in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Judy Achary of Lakeshore High School in Mandeville will also take home the ProStart Educator of the Year award at the gala.