FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2024
Two St. Francisville Restaurants Shine at the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival
St. Francisville, LA — Restaurant 1796 and Big River Pizza Co. have been recognized for their outstanding culinary excellence at the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, winning top awards in highly competitive categories. Restaurant 1796 took home the coveted “Best BBQ” and “Best Dessert” awards, while Big River Pizza Co. claimed the title of “Best Chicken.”
Restaurant 1796 impressed festival-goers with its innovative BBQ dish, utilizing traditional techniques and unique ingredients to create a one-of-a-kind flavor experience. Known for its commitment to farm-to-table dining, the restaurant’s smoked pork loin al pastor over a cilantro rice salad was celebrated for its perfectly balanced smoky and savory notes, being voted by the festival-goers for “Best BBQ” during the Friday event, “Fire on the Lake.”
Adding to its accolades for the Grand Tasting on Saturday, Restaurant 1796 also won “Best Dessert,” showcasing its ability to master not just savory dishes but also sweet indulgences. The butterscotch pudding with whipped cream and candied hazelnuts was a sophisticated yet comforting creation from a recipe that has been in Chef Dan’s family for generations, highlighted the restaurant’s dedication to mastering every course.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive these awards,” said Daniel Dreher, Executive Chef of Restaurant 1796. “My team and I work hard to deliver on every dish we feature at our restaurant, and we are proud to be able to share them with others across the state. This recognition means the world to us.”
Big River Pizza Co. was celebrated for its outstanding “Best Chicken” dish during the Grand Tasting event. Known for its wood-fired pizza and innovative approach to comfort food, Big River Pizza Co., one of the newest restaurants in St. Francisville, impressed the judges with their own buffalo chicken wing recipe over homemade ranch highlighting the restaurant’s knack for turning simple ingredients into memorable dishes.
“Winning ‘Best Chicken’ is a testament to our passion for curating a menu that has something for everyone,” said Nick Kent, Executive Chef and General Manager of Big River Pizza Co. “We’re proud to be recognized among so many talented chefs and restaurants.”
The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival celebrates the best of Louisiana and The South’s culinary talent, showcasing diverse dishes that highlight the region’s rich food culture. The awards presented at the festival recognize excellence, creativity, and dedication to the craft of cooking.
Both Restaurant 1796 and Big River Pizza Co. are grateful to the festival organizers, judges, and patrons who made this event a resounding success. The awards underscore their commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences and their role in elevating the culinary scene in St. Francisville and beyond.
For more information about Restaurant 1796, visit themyrtles.com/pages/restaurant-1796
For more information about Big River Pizza Co., visit www.bigriverpizzacompany.com
