Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office Of Tourism Bring a Taste of Louisiana to Toronto

BATON ROUGE, LA. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT), and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board are traveling to Toronto to share Louisiana's fresh seafood and unique flavors with Canada at the city of Toronto's annual Winterlicious culinary celebration today.

The delegation will host a media luncheon, followed by a ticketed public event. "Events like this are a great way to share what is new across Louisiana and what makes our state a world-class travel destination," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "We are very excited to share our classic Louisiana cooking and fresh seafood with Toronto. They are really going to enjoy these outstanding dishes that will Feed Your Soul." Winterlicious is one of Toronto's most popular culinary celebrations. The event features prix fixe menus at more than 200 restaurants as well as a series of ticketed culinary experiences.

Proposals for events are submitted to the city of Toronto and only a limited few are selected for Winterlicious. Through a partnership with Cirillo's Academy, a culinary academy in Toronto, Louisiana is hosting "Feed Your Soul – A Louisiana Experience." Both the public event and media luncheon offer a hands-on cooking experience as guests learn to make iconic Louisiana dishes such as étouffée and bread pudding.

Cooking instruction will be provided by Louisiana Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll. Together, the Carrolls own Hot Tails restaurant in New Roads, are former King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood, and appeared on the Food Network in Cajun Aces. Samantha Carroll is currently executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. "Canada is still Louisiana's largest source of international travelers," said Doug Bourgeois, assistant secretary of the Louisiana Office of Tourism. "This is a great opportunity for not only members of the public, but top Canadian travel media to experience the flavors of Louisiana firsthand." The Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, New Orleans and Company, New Orleans Plantation Country, and Visit Baton Rouge are joining the Louisiana delegation. For more information about Winterlicious, visit www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/winterlicious/.