the taste buds

JULY
T H E
BU D
R E P O R T
2011
THE TA S T E BUD S
TOP: BOBBLE HEADS OR WOODEN
HEADS? YOU DECIDE!
LEFT: GARY, GREG & HANS CHECK OUT
SOME GREAT LOUISIANA SHRIMP.
FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS...BUDS HELPING BUDS
IT’S MORE THAN just three chefs.
our great state - music, spirit,
The Taste Buds - Greg Reggio,
generosity and delicious,
Gary Darling & Hans Limburg -
wholesome Louisiana Seafood.
formed their culinary team and
Our mission:
Pay it Forward - we may need a hand in
the future;
Pay it Back - thanks to those who’ve
friendship over 20 years ago. Now
they have joined together with
helped us in the past;
Lift Spirits - care for those in need
volunteers and Louisiana
businesses to spread the wealth of
TUSCALOOSA MAY 12
CHEF DUKE WITH SCOTT & STEPHEN BALLARD
LIUZZA PALOOZ A MAY 15
CROWDED THE MINUTE THE GATES OPENED
JUMPIN’ FOR JOPLIN JUNE 7
SUPER JIM KNOWS GATORS
Dolph Federico sent a text to Greg Reggio:
“You ready to put your plan into action? Tuscaloosa Aid...”
Trailer Repair. Five thousand
dollars worth of brand new toys from
the Chef Duke’s Foundation for
Kids were included in the shipment.
May 11 through 12, 2011
THE “VITTLE & FIDDLE” event in
Tuscaloosa came about quickly.
Transportation, equipment, food,
funding and volunteers as well as a
venue for the event were all secured in
record time. Gambel
Communications’ Emily
Schmidt along with Taste Buds’
marketing team Nancy Jeansonne
SEEING THE DESTRUCTION FROM THE
TORNADOES REALLY BROUGHT BACK
MEMORIES OF KATRINA.... WE WERE
COMPELLED TO REACH OUT TO THE
PEOPLE OF ALABAMA & MISSOURI
& Jamie Montero handled PR,
media coordination and got the word
out quickly that Zea & Semolina
would serve as drop off points for
clothing, toys & tool donations. Paul
Guille and Jerry Peters from
Southern Eagle provided giant
banners for the two 53’ long tractor
trailers that were filled and transported
to Alabama thanks to caring New
Orleans residents, Ronnie Mains of
Cross Road Centers and Jack
Tolley of Jackson’s Truck and
Jim “Superman” Besselman of
Ernst Cafe provided transportation,
cooking equipment, labor, beverages
and logistics. Dolph Federico of
Pelican Events lined up “Amanda
Shaw & the Cute Guys”. His
company provided the staging,
generator and stage crew members
Danny Salzer & Paul Dugas.
Dolph also coordinated lighting and
sound through Tim Kilbride of
Sound Source. Mike Duke and
Earl Lennie teamed up as the sound
and production crew. Amanda and her
band donated their performance and
transportation was provided by
Benny & Mike Burst. Volunteer
transportation and support were
spearheaded by State Machinery’s
Ed Renton and his luxury LSU
motor coach. There was plenty of
legroom for our travelers thanks to the
RV rented by Lawrence Trunk from
Artie Lawson’s RV Motorhome
Rentals of Louisiana at a deeply
discounted rate.
continued on next page.....
Tuscaloosa police Chief Steven D. Anderson
takes a break from Alabama’s tornado
recovery and enjoys a sample
of Louisiana Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya.
continued from previous page....
Once on site, participants were kept cool
& comfortable thanks to the tents by
Jack Owens’ New Orleans Party
Rental, tables by Jim Perrier at
Perrier Party Rentals and water
donated by Nick Hazard of Crescent
Crown Distributors. Midtown
Shopping Center provided the
wonderful venue and accommodating
staff. Captivating photography was taken
by Robert Giancontieri and the video
documentary was personally handled by
filmmaker Steve Scaffidi of Ghost
Rider Pictures. Other volunteers
included Drago’s Freddie McKnight,
Will Love & Richard Elvey of
Ernst Cafe, Todd Fernandez,
Jenny LaBella, Stacy Burst, John
Zimmerman with daughter
Taylor, David Haik, John
Hollander, John Eastman of
THANKS TO ALL OF OUR
GREAT FRIENDS, VOLUNTEERS,
DONORS AND SPONSORS WHO
MAKE IT ALL COME TOGETHER
Auto Chlor, Woody Valls of
ComOne, Randy Stein of Mr. B’s,
Chef Duke Locicero of Cafe
Giovanni, Dennis Banquer, Alan
Guilbeau, Scott Ballard and
Stephen Ballard of PJ’s Coffee &
Tea Company. Zea Birmingham
General Manager David Cross with
son Ethan Cross - a University of
Alabama student - along with Ryan
Danforth, Kyle Dahlmann and
Josh Allen and Becky Payne all
from Zea Restaurant’s location in
Mobile, Alabama rounded out the
team.
E R I C S TO ULIG
1959-2011
Please remember to keep in your
prayers Tuscaloosa volunteer and friend
Eric Stoulig, his wife Natalie as well as
sons Chad & Cory.
Eric volunteered for the Tuscaloosa trip
and sadly passed away on May 25, 2011
at the too-young age of 51.
Eric will be greatly missed and forever
in our thoughts.
Liuzza Palooza was one of the best festivals ever.....ya’ll
should do this every year...... (facebook member comment)
May 15, 2011
IT’S NOT OFTEN A SINGLE day, six
hour festival is as successful as
“LiuzzaPalooza.” The Sunday event was
blessed with some of the best weather
of the year, had the friendliest crowd of
generous participants and raised over
$130,000 for Michael Bordelon - coowner and proprietor of Liuzza’s MidCity Restaurant. Mike, his mother, sister
and other family members have
provided locals and tourists alike with
great food and great company. Like
many New Orleans businesses, Liuzza’s
on February 5th he was involved in a
violent car crash - a victim of a drunk
driver traveling 80 miles per hour.
Proceeds from the event shall be used
to pay for Mike’s rehabilitation and
expenses related to his hospitalization.
LiuzzaPalooza Major Sponsors
Michael has made incredible progress
over the last few months. Please
continue to pray for his continued
recovery.
LiuzzaPalooza takes its name from
Lollapalooza - a 20th century
American idiomatic phrase
meaning "an extraordinary or
unusual thing, person, or event”
was severely damaged by Hurricane
Katrina, sustaining over nine feet of
water. Michael’s vision and sweat
restored the restaurant from the
ground up and brought back this great
New Orleans establishment. Tragically,
Michael Bordelon
Rockin’ Dopsie
See all the sponsors at the end of this newsletter
LiuzzaPalooza! Even the name makes you smile! Over
3500 participants ate, danced and shared.......
Thank you to all who made this event
possible, especially the volunteers who
worked double shifts without a break. The
following individuals are recognized for their
superior commitment to the event:
Tony Abadie
Glen Armentrout
Bruce Attinger
Jennifer Banquer
Jim Besselman David Blitch
Ray Bordelon Chandra Chefici
Tommy Cvitanovich Sean Dowd
Ray Edlers Davidson Ehle
Dolph Federico Alexander Finke
Heather Finke Kyle Finke
Paul Guille
Gina Lynch
Shirley Lehrman Scott Lynch
Paul Marsh
Mike Miller
Janet Momus
Clayton Mouney
Bethany Paulsen Eric Paulsen
Jerry Peters Gary Reggio
Ron Reggio
Melvin Rodrigue
Shelley Rote
Randy Stein
Steve Scaffidi
Harlow Pearce
Ewell Smith
Glen “GT” Taylor
The Entire Bordelon Family
VIP Tent brought to you by:
Southern Eagle and Budweiser
Chef Chad Gray and the Ritz Carlton
G OIN G S ON
Paul Rotner, Lucien Gunter and Acme Oyster
House
Taste Buds Cooking Stage
equipment courtesy of:
Loubat Equipment Company
C.A.S.H.’s Restaurant Equipment
Jim Besselman Ernst Cafe
B ACK STAGE PASS
And all the bands.....
Rockin’ Dopsie
The Creole String Beans
Gideon & the Chimney Sweeps
Luther Kent
Paul Varisco & the Milestones
ALL I GOTTA DO IS DANCE
THE TASTE BUD STAGE
G R E G G I V E S J I M A S U PER GIFT
Less than a month after deadly tornados crushed Tuscaloosa,
Joplin Missouri was hit with a devastating twister.....
JUNE 6-8, 2011
REVELLING IN THE SUCCESS of
LiuzzaPalooza and a heartwarming relief
trip to Alabama, it was time to get some
rest. Gary was already out of town
sailing while Hans packed for his
vacation. Although not set on the
destination, Greg planned his trip for the
end of June. The Taste Buds were worn
out - they needed some time off.
Greg received a call from Mayor Mitch
Landrieu’s office requesting his
attendance at the NOLA Pay it Forward
Fund press conference. Immediately
after, the mayor’s staff inquired if Greg
was able to coordinate another Taste
Buds Mission to Joplin, Missouri. Joplin
had been struck with the deadliest single
ANOTHER MISSION? 14
HOURS AWAY! HANS WAS
OUT OF TOWN & GARY
NOT BACK UNTIL 2 DAYS
BEFORE LEAVING....
IT WOULD BE TOUGH TO
GET DONE.
tornado in 50 years. One hundred fifty
three people perished, people were still
missing and 37% of the city was
destroyed.
The city of New Orleans would send
four volunteer firemen (including one
from Jefferson Parish), a generator and a
truck. Diesel fuel would be provided as
well. There was talk of paying for a
portion of the trip, although somewhat
unlikely as the NOLA Pay It Forward
Fund had just been established. The real
obstacle was the timing. Travel to Joplin
needed to commence on June 6, 2011.
With Hans on his way out and Gary still
not back, Greg had to make the
decision. It was unknown if Gary would
be available for the three day trip. The
relief effort would have to succeed with
just two thirds of the Taste Buds at best.
Greg contacted the team of partners,
friends, volunteers, sponsors and
business leaders from prior events. Once
again these “Buds” would be called upon
to assist. E-mails, texts, phone calls and
Facebook requests went out - the
response was overwhelming. More good
news - Chef Gary Darling was available.
Once again the Taste Buds partnered
with some great, like-minded businesses
and individuals. They worked tirelessly
coordinating logistics, accommodations,
menus, transportation, tents, stage,
sound, music and the like.
New “Buds” were recruited. Nick
Zouboukos, C.E.O. and
President of Sysco Food
Services New Orleans provided a
refrigerated truck with driver, David
Favre, and fuel. Natalie Barranco,
C.O.O. of Calco Travel & Hotard
Coaches contributed a tour bus and
arranged the donation of diesel from
Waguespack Oil. Jim
Besselman and Dolph Federico
both stepped up big time AGAIN! Jim’s Ernst Cafe provided
equipment, labor and logistics. Dolph’s
Pelican Events lined up Amanda
Shaw and The Cute Guys and
provided the staging & crew. Tim
Kilbride of The Sound Source
provided the PA and stage gear. Ed
Renton of State Machinery
spearheaded band transportation
through Barry Butler of Butler
Aviation and handled support. New
Orleans Party Rentals provided the
tents.
HELP A BUD....BE A
BUD... I’M A BUD!
3 / 4 O F T H E AU TO - C H LOR TEAM
Thanks to Owner John Eastman for
coordinating his local crew Tim Bunyard, Bryan Kessler,
David Cable and Rodney Hall.
Eager and hard working, they were
great addition to the team.
FROM N .O. TO MO.
We are honored to have
Louisiana’s Finest - New Orleans’
Fire Department Capt. Kevin
R. Williams, Oper. Hayden
Brown, Firefighter Ryan Mast
and Jefferson Parish Firefighter
Brent Barrios - as part of our
team. These gentlemen made the long
journey to Joplin and were a
invaluable part of the mission. We
look forward to their future
participation with The Taste Buds.
Here they present a special gift from
New Orleans Mayor Landrieu to
Joplin Mayor Woolston.
Thank you to Mayor Mitch
Landrieu and his staff Brooke Smith, Mary Beth
Romig, Paul Reeb, and Lt.
Col. Jerry Sneed for their
help and resources.
“Jumpin’ for Joplin continued.....
Dudley Passman of New Orleans Zatarain’s prepared chicken
and sausage jambalaya. Creamy red beans & rice with grilled chicken were
also on the menu. The star of the show, without a doubt.......
The crowd of over 1000 feasted on world famous Crawfish Monica
from Kajun Kettle’s Pete Hilzim. Glenn Hogh, chef and owner of
Vegas Tapas Cafe, fed the band and expertly manned the pasta station.
Katy Casbarian of Arnaud’s donated their restaurant’s famous
remoulade sauce to accompany the Taste Buds’ Special Boiled
Shrimp. Jumbo 16/20 count Louisiana shrimp were provided by Randy
Pearce of Doran Seafood. Randy also shipped 40/50 count peeled
shrimp destined for a hot cast iron skillet with Louisiana Oysters in an
etouffee. The Louisiana seafood ladened sauce was served over Black
Drum. Both oysters and drum were donated by Cliff Hall of New
Orleans Fish House. Mark Dixon, owner of Broken Egg Cafe
prepared the seafood etouffee. The pastry chef of Hilton New
Orleans Riverside, Chad Gilchrist, manned the prep kitchen
throughout the day.
Ewell Smith, Executive Director and Harlon Pearce,
President of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and
Marketing Board fully committed their resources to the mission.
Smith made the journey with the team. He worked hard throughout the
day and spread the word of Great Louisiana Seafood. Pearce, of
Harlon’s LA Fish, donated a horizontal tail cut of alligator, fresh
Louisiana crawfish tails, live soft shell crabs, and fresh crab
fingers. Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Pudding from Zea
Rotisserie Grill rounded out the meal. A pallet of bottled water was
provided by Second Harvest New Orleans.
Of course we relied heavily on the kindness and support of our many
volunteers who enjoyed snacks provided by Sean Dowd of T.A.
Dowd. Nick Hazard of Crescent Crown Distributors donated
LSU Water, Red Bull, Abita Beer, and Guinness beer for the
after party refreshments. Gina Lynch of Giaconna Container
surprised us with “The Taste Buds” logo cups. Our Calco/Hotard
driving team consisted of Gregory Hicks, Byron Dalton and Torris
Williams.
The volunteer crew pulled it off again. Kudos to Jayne Bordelon,
Ashleigh Bordelon, Michael Besselman, Bill Besselman,
Grant Reggio, Ross Reggio, Will Love, Ross Vangeffen,
Wendi Folse, Courtney Wadenfuhl, Gina Lorio, Daniel
Salzer, Tristan Felding, Rex Marshall, Teresa DeVito, Ilene
Powell and her crew from Eureka Springs, for their tireless work. Thanks
to Chef Gary Darling for his dramatic photos and Grant Ingram
for his inspiring video log of the mission.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
THE CITY OF JOPLIN has a long road to
recovery. We appreciate being allowed to come
to your city under such stressful conditions.
Thank you to Rodney Jetton, Patrick Tuttle and
the Mayor of Joplin - Mike Woolston and his staff
- as well as the citizens for the warm reception.
We pledge our continued support to your
community. Thank you to the Hampton Inn
Fayetteville for the discounted rooms and Eddie
Jacobs for making the hotel connection.
NBC NIGHTLY NEWS featured our Joplin
mission on their “Making a Difference” segment.
Go to The Taste Buds Facebook page for a link
to the report and a link to the live interview by
WVUE Fox8Live. Look for links to WWLtv
news coverage also.
Just one man or company could not have pulled off the “Tuscaloosa Tornado Relief”,
“LiuzzaPalooza” and “Jumpin’ for Joplin” in such a short period of time. A Herculean effort
was required and everyone pitched in to make it a reality. Thank you to all who helped to
make each event a success!
LIUZZA PALOOZA CONTRIBUTORS
Aidan Gill For Men, Nathan Ales, Angelo Brocato Ice Cream, Art By Martin, Arts Kinetic,
Bruce Attinger, Audubon Dermatology, Audubon Nature Institute, Bayou Bicycles, Chef
John Besh, Besh Restaurant Group, Better Than Ezra Foundation. Bevelo Gas & Electric
Lights, Billy Joel, Blue Dot Donuts, Blue Frog Chocolates. Byron Bordelon, Frank Bordelon,
Jayne Bordelon, Leighton Bordelon, Lori Bordelon, Creative Hang-ups, FESS Security, Finn
McCool’s Irish Pub, Gators R Us, Gideon & The Chimney Sweeps, Gordon’s of Metairie, GW
Fins, Heather Elizabeth Designs, Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Hubig’s Pie, J Star Designs,
Jeanne Vidrine, Skip Jemmison, Jewels By Deerworks, Joey’s Paint & Body Shop, Inc., Jose
Balli, Juan’s Flying Burrito, Kit Wohl Knitzy, The Kupcake Factory, La Petite Grocery, Lakewood Golf Club, Chef Brian Landry, Leigh Reveley, SANDRA EPTON SID SERUNTINE’S
STUDIO, Michael Bordelon II, Michelle Bordelon, Ray Bordelon, Brigtsen’s Restaurant, Cafe
Du Monde, Chef Cynthia & Cafe Minh, Chef Adolfo Garcia, Rio Mar, La Boca, and a Mano
Restaurants, Cindy Pilates, Clay Creations, Creole String Beans, Dan Bess Debris Art, The
Dinner Belle, Dominique Giordano, Jewelry Design, Sean Dowd, Earthsavers, Raymond
Edler, Emeril’s Restaurant, Eugenia Uhl Photography, Joey Falcon, Dolph Federico, Limousine Livery, Louisiana Children’s Museum, Chef Duke LoCicero, Max Loubiere, Rick and
Kathy Lovernick, Chef Chris Lusk, Chef Michele McRaney, Mellow Mushroom, Metairie
Cemetery, National World War II Museum, New Orleans Wine and Food Experience,
Michael Canedo, Mid City Yacht Club, Mike Remy’s Photography, NOLA Couture, NOLA
Hooping, NOLA Pilates, NOLA Tattoo, NOLA Tots, O’Henry’s, MidCityBurgers, Old World
Caster, One 2 One Salon, Pal’s Lounge, Paul Varisco and the Milestones with special guest
Luther Kent, Paris Parker Salon and Spa, Pascal’s Manale, Pat O’Brien’s, Bethany Paulsen,
Eric Paulsen, Pierce Carpentry, Pole Perfect Fitness, Chef Gunter Preuss, Propaganda
Group, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, Don Randon, Dr.
Amy Reggio, Ron Reggio, Ed Renton, Ridgewalker Glass, Ritz Carlton, New Orleans Rock ‘n’
Bowl, Rockin’ Dopsie, Rue 127, Sabai Jewelry, Saltwater Grill, Sea Hagg Charters, Serenity
Day Spa & Gifts, Simon Antiques On Jackson, Slice Pizzeria, Solid Communications, Trey
Yuen, Cuisine of China, Twist Hats, Valence Consulting, Vega Tapas Cafe, Michael Patrick
Welch, Wild Lotus Yoga, William Grant & Son’s, Inc., Wise Buys, Ye Olde College Inn, Ze da
Liz/Lightworld, Photo Art, Zephyrs Baseball, Artie w/ RV Motorhome Rentals of Louisiana,
Kelly&Abide, Rent a Nerd, Robert Guthrie Gallery, Alan Guilbeau & Amy Smith of PJ’s
Coffee & Tea, Aushanda Williams, Zachy Cino, Nicole Alvarez, Chris Rodrigue, Annie Rodrigue, Alan Alvarez, Maiannna Alvarez. Frank Langenbacker, Ross Reggio, Grant Reggio,
Julia Reggio, Allen Banquer, Dennis Banquer, Kevin Guidros, Melissa Guidros, P.J. Archer,
Courtney Bivalacqua, Brinkman’s Menswear, Wines Unlimited, PelHughes, PrintAll, Garrity
Print Solutions, Louisiana Sportsman, Entercom, WWLTV channel 4, ClearChannel FOX8,
Gambit Best of New Orleans, Zatarain’s.
Film Crew: Al Pias, Steven Michael Scaffidi, Nancy LoCoco, Glen “GT” Taylor, Blue Stream’s
Blair Cottingham Ray Ziegler of RZI Lighting and Big Screen Ventures
SPONSORS, VENDORS & SUPPORTERS