Local chef makes splash in Big Apple

Cynthia Schneider of Grapevine Cafe' and Gallery, along with a group of other South Louisiana chefs led by Chef John Folse, prepared a Louisiana-style meal for 260 journalists at the annual James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York May 7, 2006.

Louisiana food and its influence on the nation's cuisine was the theme at both of the award ceremonies with a portion of the admission fee dedicated to the Gulf Coast Renaissance fund.

Schneider prepared her famous white chocolate bread pudding for the event and as no surprise to anyone who has tasted it, it was a huge hit.

"I recall a particular incident where after the event, I was winding down with family and friends in the lobby of the hotel and all of a sudden a group of reporters from the Los Angeles Times yelled out 'there's the bread pudding lady!' They came over and talked on and on about it being the highlight of the evening. Needless to say, I was thrilled and in awe of the entire experience."

The James Beard Foundation, named for the late food writer, is a not-for-profit foundation founded to preserve and celebrate America's culinary heritage and serves as a resource center for the restaurant and food industry.

"The honor of being associated with such notable Louisiana chefs as Chef John Folse, Chef Emeril Lagasse, and Chef Susan Spicer to name a few, was personally and professionally a dream come true. It was an emotional and thrilling experience to be part of such a prestigious culinary team... and the media exposure was huge!"

THE CHAMBER VOICE and the Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce congratulate Cynthia Schneider and The Grapevine Café and Gallery for the prestigious representation of our city.