Vendredi

New Orleans’ distinctive culture rests on two strong foundations--food and music.  Tonight at Rock N’ Bowl, the inaugural Supper Bowl NOLA is combining the two for an event that promises guests all the eats, jams, and education that they could want out of one night. Slow Food NOLA and the New Orleans Musicians Assistance Fund have joined forces to host the party, and guests should come hungry and ready to dance to music from Onward Brass Band, Full Steam Jazz Band, and much, much more.

The music will begin outside at 6pm with the Onward Brass Band, and guests can purchase food from Rock N’ Bowl’s own Straight Stick Ranch, La Divina Gelateria, Rue Chow, Frencheeze, and My Time Coffee. At 8pm, the music continues indoors with Full Steam Jazz Band accompanied by special guests Leroy Jones, Rick Trolsen, Katja Toivola, and more.

Slow Food NOLA aims to educate the city’s eaters on the Slow Food International movement, a push to provide eaters with affordable, healthy options, eco-friendly consumer practices, and flavorful, seasonal diets, according to the organization’s website. Slow Food NOLA Chair Gary Granata, PhD and Registered Dietician, will provide slow cooking demonstrations at the event for guests who want to take some knowledge home with them.

Since its inception, the overarching goal of the Slow Food Movement has become a contentious issue. Granata’s New Orleans’ Chapter of Slow Food USA represents a splinter group of the original Slow Food International movement, which began in Italy in 1986 as a reaction to the growing popularity of fast food.

According to NOMAF’s Program Coordinator Stacy Morigeau, the organizations’ partnership was the perfect marriage.

“A lot of our musicians do what the fans do—when you’re out and it’s late at night and you’re playing and drinking, everybody goes to fast food,” explained Morigeau. Tonight’s event isn’t only about the history of slow cooking, it’s largely centered on the health benefits. NOMAF aims to keep our city’s musicians healthy and happy, and their diets are instrumental in that mission.

“Slow food started in Italy as a response to the fast food movement,” Morigeau continued, “We’re trying to show musicians types of food they can prepare at home and have to take with them, as well as small snacks on the road,” she said. “Giving them this education will hopefully better the musicians’ health,” said Morigeau.

Guests can arrive at 6pm, and admission free for those who register for a Slow Food NOLA Membership. General admission is $5, with all proceeds to be donated to NOMAF. Slow Food NOLA chapter representatives will be on site to provide interested guests with information and help them register for Slow Food NOLA USA & New Orleans.