CCHS Chef’s Dinner a success

The Central Catholic High School Alumni Association’s 26th annual Chef’s Dinner, a Gold Medal Evening, was held April 12 at NicoBella in Morgan City. This year’s culinary event featuring a new format, a five course, sit-down meal, was sold out.
Chef Brian Blanchard organized the event for the 19th year. He is owner and executive chef of iMonelli Restaurant, ala carte, River Oaks Catering and Event Center in Lafayette, and Café Jo Jo’s and NicoBella Catering and Events Center in Morgan City.
Joining Blanchard were Nash Barreca, executive chef of Nash’s Restaurant; Brad Sonnier 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 CCHS principal Deacon Vic Bonnaffee III.
Blanchard introduced the chefs and gave a preview of their gourmet dishes.
Guests in attendance were Bo Duhé, district attorney; Ed Leonard, retired judge; Greg Aucoin, judge; Mark Hebert, St. Mary Parish sheriff; Jarrod Longman, St. Mary Parish assessor; Logan Fromenthal, St. Mary Parish councilman; Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi, Morgan City mayor; Lou Tamporello, Morgan City councilman; Tim Matte, St. Mary Levee District executive director; Bill Hidalgo Sr., St. Mary Levee District Commission president; Joe Russo, Patterson mayor pro-tem; and Billy Hidalgo Jr., CCHS Advisory Council president.
Providing a few historical facts about the event was Drew Bergeron.
At the conclusion of the supper, Alumni Director Maggie Bergeron presented door prizes and commemorative CCHS gifts to all of the chefs and tokens of appreciation to special guests.
The Rev. Clyde Mahler, Holy Cross Parish pastor, provided the benediction.