ANNOUNCING OUR 2019 CULINARY TEAM!

COCKTAIL CRAFTSMAN

Chris Hannah

Chris Hannah has joined the Look Don’t Tell team this year as cocktail craftsman and wine specialist. Chris has selected wine and curated cocktails to accompany each course as part of the culinary experience.  Chris has also chosen top quality aperitifs and digestifs to be enjoyed throughout the evening, in addition to delicious mocktails for those who desire this option.

Chris arrived in New Orleans in 2004 and since his arrival, he has elevated the cocktail experience locally. Chris left his mark on French 75 where his bar menu earned a James Beard award for Outstanding Bar Program in 2017 and 2015. After 14 years of curating cocktails at French 75 in Arnaud’s, Chris went on to open Manolito with his partner Nick Detrich and most recently Jewel of the South which celebrates the creations of Joseph Santini at his 19th century bar of the same name. Chris has been the perfect partner to create memorable and delicious concoctions that have depth and harken to an older time in New Orleans’ history.

FARM TO TABLE CHEF

Melissa Araujo

Chef Melissa returns this year as the culinary talent to our unique setting as part of the Look Don’t Tell production. Chef Melissa has prepared an exquisite six course meal with locally sourced ingredients tailored to each individual’s protein preference and dietary requirements. Chef Melissa was inspired by the life of the Baroness Pontalba to select ingredients reflective of the time period, as well as the influence of both the Spanish and French then occupying New Orleans in the late 1700s.

Chef Melissa joined the crew of Look Don’t Tell after having played significant roles in the New Orleans restaurant scene, including: Doris Metropolitan (Sous Chef), Restaurant R’evolution (Line Chef) and Susan Spicer’s Mondo (Line Chef). Chef Melissa was also the Head Chef at Vitsana in Milan, Italy for five years.  She has since returned to her hometown of New Orleans.  Upon her return, she launched pop-up restaurant Alma as well as her Certified Louisiana Farm to Table catering company, Saveur Catering.

PREVIOUS CHEF

Kristen Essig

Look Don’t Tell’s debut year featured the unmatched talent of Kristen Essig nominated as “The People’s Best New Chef” in Food & Wine Magazine in 2015. Kristen trailblazed the concept of a 19th century feast for our participants.  The six courses for the intimate party were served alongside exceptional pairings for an unforgettable dining experience.  Kristen is currently found at natioanlly-acclaimed Coquette with co-chef and owner Michael Stoltzfus, included in Brett Anderson’s 2019 list of top ten restaurants in New Orleans.  Coquette has earned Kristen and Michael nominations in 2017, 2018 and 2019 for the Best Chef: South in the James Beard Awards. This Summer, this exceptional culinary duo opened their much-awaited Thalia Restaurant in the Lower Garden District.