Celebrate culinary traditions and hospitality at HNOC’s 2025 Food Forum

Written By Alicia Vial

Food Fête tasting features local chef’s takes on home cooking

NEW ORLEANS — The Historic New Orleans Collection’s (HNOC) annual Food Forum returns to the French Quarter Saturday, Nov. 8 and explores the culinary traditions and unmatched hospitality that make home gatherings in Louisiana special—from backyard boils to elegant dinner parties. The day-long event themed “Come Pass a Good Time” features innovative discussions, exclusive book signings and a Food Fête that showcases Louisiana’s take on home cooking.

Hosted by Dr. Jessica B. Harris, with a slate of local chefs, hosts, and historians, the 2025 Food Forum will dive into the state’s welcoming spirit, blending cultural insights with practical tips for hosting unforgettable, joy-filled gatherings. Speakers and panelists include writer Megan Braden-Perry, artists Andrew Lamar Hopkins and Dawn Dedeaux, author and restaurateur Julie Vaucresson, historian and author Rien Fertel, restaurateur James Clesi, decorative arts historian Lydia Blackmore, authors Michael Harold and Quinn Pepper, printmaker Alexa Pulitzer, and award-winning cocktail historian Philip J. Greene.

“With the help of chefs, historians and hosts, the 2025 Food Forum dives deep into our welcoming spirit, blending cultural insights with practical tips for hosting unforgettable gatherings,” said HNOC President and CEO, Daniel Hammer. “Come pass a good time with us and come hungry—for food, stories, and inspiration!”

Following the day’s sessions, participants have an opportunity to taste the best of Louisiana at the Food Fête tasting event curated and hosted by Braden-Perry. Indulge in bites from beloved local restaurants including Saint John, Vaucresson’s Creole Café, Napoleon House, El Gato Negro, and Nolita Bakery as chef’s showcase their unique takes on home cooking, accompanied by an open bar with wine, champagne and a signature cocktail crafted by Deniseea Head of Chicken & Champagne. Admission is included with Food Forum registration or may be purchased separately for $25.  

Since 2010, the Historic New Orleans Collection and Dr. Jessica B. Harris, author and food historian, have hosted the Food Forum, a program focused on the culinary practices of New Orleans and the Gulf region. Past Food Forums have explored topics such as the histories of pork, rum, coffee, pralines and New Orleans’s world-famous festival foods.
The 2025 Food Forum is presented by Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Magic Seasoning Blends and takes place at HNOC’s Williams Research Center at 410 Chartres St. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Food Fête tasting event will take place in the Brulatour Courtyard, one of the most illustrated outdoor spaces in the French Quarter, immediately after. To register visit hnoc.org. Tickets are $80 and space is limited.

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About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 14 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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