Hard News: Chef Soirée

(COVINGTON, La) Every year at the start of spring, Covington locals look forward to the Chef Soirée. Chef Soirée is a signature event in Covington that blends together fine dining, generosity, and community. This event is held at a local park, and dozens of restaurants and businesses donate to help raise funds for the Youth Service Bureau. 

The annual event was held this year at Bogue Falaya Park on March 16. The Youth Service Bureau hosts this event each year to raise money for at-risk youth and families in St. Tammany Parish. There are many different departments that benefit from these funds, including adolescent substance abuse treatment, delinquency prevention and truancy intervention. 

This year’s presenting sponsor was Chevron, and the grand prize raffle was sponsored by Banner Ford. Purchasing a raffle ticket entered attendees into a drawing where the winner could choose between a brand-new 2025 Ford Bronco Sport or Ford Mustang. All proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Youth Service Bureau. 

This year marked the Youth Service Bureau’s 41st year hosting the soirée, and the theme is “Crystal Blues.” Patrons were dressed in beautiful dresses and suits in all different shades of blue. Tickets began at $125, which allowed each guest entry to the event, where patrons could walk from tent to tent, tasting food and drinks from some of the top restaurants in Southeast Louisiana.

Donors outdid themselves this year with a setup featuring decorations and balloon garlands from The Graceful Host Shop. The restaurants at the soirée this year were said to be some of the best. It featured popular favorites such as Tavi, Courtyard Bistro, MERIBO, Nothing Bundt Cakes, and the list goes on. Live music and dancing added to the event festivities, with entertainment from Big Daddy O, Christian Serpas, Soul Revival, and others. 

When asked about this year’s event, Ashley Cash, local business owner, said, “We come every year, and it has become one of my favorite events the city has to offer. It's a great time and supports a great cause.”