Another successful CCHS Chefs’ Dinner held

The Central Catholic High School Alumni Association’s 27th annual Chefs’ Dinner, a Gold Medal Evening, was held April 3 at NicoBella in Morgan City. The culinary event featured a five-course, sit-down meal.
Chef Brian Blanchard, owner and executive chef of iMonelli Restaurant, a la carte, River Oaks Catering and Event Center in Lafayette, and Café Jo Jo’s & NicoBella Catering and Events Center in Morgan City, organized the event for the 20th year.
Joining Blanchard were Nash Barreca, executive chef of Nash’s Restaurant; Patrick Poupart of Poupart’s Bakery; Richard Boudreaux, executive chef ala carte; and Dale Ratcliff Jr. of Café Jo Jo’s.
Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Larry Bergeron. The invocation was led by Central Catholic High School Principal Vic Bonnaffee III.
Blanchard introduced the chefs and gave a preview of the gourmet dishes.
Special guest was the Most Rev. Shelton Fabre, Bishop of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese. Other guests included Assistant District Attorney Anthony Saleme, retired judge Ed Leonard, Judge William Hunter, St. Mary Parish Assessor Jarrod Longman, Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi, Morgan City Councilman James Fontenot, Patterson Mayor Pro-tem Joe Russo, and school Advisory Council President Billy Hidalgo Jr.
The supper has evolved over the years and so has the variety of themes. This year’s theme was “Divine Mercy Sunday.”
Drew Bergeron explained that in the year 2000, Divine Mercy Sunday was decreed a solemnity, or a high feast day, by Pope John Paul II. It was based on visions recorded by Saint Faustina, a Polish nun who received revelations from the risen Christ concerning this feast. Each guest was offered a prayer card to spread the message of Divine Mercy.
At the conclusion of the supper, Alumni Director Maggie Bergeron presented door prizes and commemorative gifts to all of the chefs and tokens of appreciation to special guests.
The Rev. Clyde Mahler, pastor of Holy Cross Parish, provided the benediction.
The 28th Annual Chefs Supper is scheduled April 23, 2017.