MEDIA ADVISORY

Contacts: Mary Lee Murphy
504.919.5533
murphym@peteramayer.com

Liz Williams
504.430-5619
liz@southernfood.org

RIBBON-CUTTING FOR THE SOUTHERN FOOD AND BEVERAGE MUSEUM GRAND OPENING

What: Grand Opening Ribbon-cutting ceremony

When: Saturday, June 7, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Where: #169 Riverwalk Marketplace
Julia Street Entrance

Who: Dickie Brennan, Chairman of the Board
Elizabeth Williams, President
White House Chief Usher & New Orleans native Rear Admiral Stephen W. Rochon, Ret.
U.S. Marine Corps Band
Elected and appointed officials

(New Orleans, LA) –  May 22, 2008-On Saturday, June 7, 2008, The Southern Food and Beverage Museum (SoFAB) will welcome members and friends to celebrate the grand opening of its new 14,000 square foot home in the Riverwalk Marketplace in New Orleans. The strategic location provides plentiful parking for locals and is convenient for many visitors. The museum, which was founded in 2004, is dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and related culture of the South. Since its inception, the museum has contributed to a national culinary scholarship by launching the Menu Project, a collection of menus from throughout the South and menus from restaurants serving southern food throughout the U.S. and the world, and through its exhibits, “Toast of New Orleans,” “Tout de Sweet – All about Sugar,” and the post-Katrina exhibit: “Restaurant/Restorative.”

Opening exhibits include “Laissez Faire- Savoir Fare,” the cuisine of Louisiana and New Orleans and “Eating in the White House – America’s Food,” featuring the dishes of the White House with an emphasis on the kitchens and chefs, and more.

Newly elected Chairman of the Board, restaurateur Dickie Brennan commented, “We are all very excited about our opening. We have planned wonderful exhibits that will be entertaining and thought-provoking about food, food history, and food culture. What’s wonderful about SoFAB is that it appeals to everyone for the simple fact that everyone has an interest in the food culture of the south.”

“The location is perfect for the mission of SoFAB,” stated museum President, Liz Williams. “At the Riverwalk, we will be able to share the fascinating distinctions and stories that distinguish the food of the South.” Locals will find that there’s plenty convenient parking, and with the thousands of visitors and convention-goers. We expect to watch the museum grow exponentially in our new home.”

SoFAB is also very close to other major museums in the city: the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the National World War II Museum. SoFAB complements these institutions, and adds another anchor to our world-class museum district.

The Southern Food and Beverage Museum was founded in 2004 and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in New Orleans and dedicated to the discovery, understanding and celebration of the food, drink and related culture of the South. www.southernfood.org .

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