Small Town Chef award dinner kicks off tonight

Louisiana chefs from towns with populations of fewer than 25,000 will have their food and talent on display at Country Roads‘ Small Town Chefs award dinner tonight. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. at Louisiana Culinary Institute (10550 Airline Highway). This year’s winners are Chefs Keith and Nealy Frentz of Lola Restaurant in Covington, Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll of Hot Tails Restaurant in New Roads and Chef Jeremy Langlois of Latil’s Landing Restaurant and Café Burnside at Houmas House Plantation in Darrow. The dinner features a tasting-style menu showcasing signature dishes from the winners, passed hors d’oeuvres from Triumph Kitchen students and LCI chefs, wine pairings, a tour of LCI’s demonstration kitchens and live music from Kirk Holder. Tickets are $75 per person. Get more information and purchase tickets. —Matthew Sigur