CHEF MASON HEREFORD TEAMS UP WITH LIBERTY’S KITCHEN FOR A MEMORABLE EVENING OF FOOD AND COMMUNITY

Captivating Culinary Collaboration Supports Youth Empowerment NEW ORLEANS, LA, June 9, 2023 – Liberty’s Kitchen’s highly anticipated Guest Chef Night, held on June 7th, was an extraordinary event that left all 65 attendees in awe of the remarkable culinary talents of Chef Mason Hereford. The renowned chef, known for his acclaimed restaurants Turkey and the Wolf, Molly’s Rise and Shine, and Hungry Eyes, prepared a delectable three-course meal in collaboration with 17 of Liberty’s Kitchen’s talented alumni and trainees. The evening showcased the perfect blend of exceptional cuisine, community spirit, and unwavering support for the organization’s Youth Development Program, which the evening’s proceeds benefited.

The menu, served family-style, delighted the taste buds with a carefully curated selection of dishes that reflected Chef Mason Hereford’s unique culinary vision. The meal featured dishes such as grilled catfish with charred kale, citrus, herbs, and horseradish; smoked chicken wings with habanero pineapple white BBQ sauce; and delicious chocolate chip cookies for dessert.

The evening was not only an occasion for culinary delights but also a powerful display of community support. Dinner guests were captivated by the heartfelt stories shared by Liberty’s Kitchen alumni, who eloquently expressed how the organization had positively transformed their lives. Hearing their testimonials underscored the importance of Liberty’s Kitchen’s Youth Development Program, which provides invaluable job training and resources to young people in New Orleans. The evening raised an impressive $5,131.

Bernadette Lucas, Executive Director of Liberty’s Kitchen, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support received during Guest Chef Night, stating, “We are truly moved by the generosity and enthusiasm of our community. This event was a testament to the incredible impact we can make when we come together to support our youth. Chef Mason Hereford’s collaboration was a culinary masterpiece, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication to our cause.”

The event was a resounding success, not only in terms of the unforgettable food, but also in raising funds for Liberty’s Kitchen’s Youth Development Program. Money raised through ticket sales will have a significant impact, enabling the organization to continue its mission of empowering New Orleans’ youth and providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.

For more information about Liberty’s Kitchen and its programs, please visit www.libertyskitchen.org. Follow Liberty’s Kitchen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn @libertyskitchen.

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About Liberty’s Kitchen

Liberty’s Kitchen provides New Orleans youth with the skillset to achieve their vision of success through professional and personalized training. Founded in 2008, Liberty’s Kitchen has served over 1,000 young adults since the inception of its Youth Development Program. In its 15-year existence, Liberty’s Kitchen has deepened its impact to include leadership development for alumni and work with employers to sustain long-term career pathways.

About Chef Mason Hereford

Mason Hereford is the chef and owner of Turkey and the Wolf, a counter service-only joint that Food & Wine and GQ both listed as one of the most important restaurants of the decade, and Bon Appetit named the Best New Restaurant in America in 2017. He also owns Molly’s Rise and Shine, a breakfast spot nearby that Food & Wine named a Best New Restaurants in America 2020. The co-chefs at Molly’s who recently came on as partners, Colleen Quarls and Liz Hollinger, got nominated for James Beard Awards this year. Turkey and the Wolf and Mason have both also been nominated. His cookbook, Turkey and the Wolf: Flavor Trippin’ in New Orleans, became a New York Times Bestseller and James Beard Book Award nominee, after the first shipment spent months lost at sea. He recently partnered with the co-chef of Turkey and the Wolf, Philip Cenac, and his wonderful wife, Lauren Agudo to open a new restaurant called Hungry Eyes. They serve deluxe drinking food, zippy wines, and lipstick smeared martinis in an 80s inspired space on Magazine St. in New Orleans. Mason was born and raised on rollerblades and gas station food in rural Virginia. He currently lives in New Orleans and will never leave.

Media Contact: Rebecca Chalin // Marketing Manager // 504-304-2311// rchalin@libertyskitchen.org

Note to Editors:

High-resolution images and additional information about Liberty’s Kitchen, Chef Mason Hereford, and Guest Chef Night event are available upon request.