Signature Showcase: Local restaurants bring their best for March of Dimes

Judy Bastien • jbastien@theadvertiser.com • October 29, 2008

Many restaurants have a signature dish - one that is almost synonymous with its name.
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For iMonelli chef and owner Brian Blanchard, that might be his Seafood Crepes.

Or, maybe not.

"I wouldn't necessarily say it's a 'signature dish,'" said Blanchard, who started out as a busboy and dishwasher at the restaurant, before buying it at the age of 23. "I've got things that have been extremely popular for 20 years. This is one of my newer creations."

But the dish, which features shrimp and crab meat and an Italian cheese stuffing, is close enough to be one of the dishes offered at the Signature Chefs Phantom Gala, to benefit the March of Dimes, whose ongoing mission is to improve the health of babies. And, like every other item on the restaurant's menu, it was created personally by Blanchard.

He will be among 14 chefs who will offer their most popular menu items at the event. Visitors to the Petroleum Club will be able to sample food from all of them.

"People will go from table to table, tasting these wonderful dishes," said Lydia Cavaness, division director of the March of Dimes. "People will not go home hungry."

In addition to the food tasting, there will be wine and silent and live auctions.

Participating chefs also have donated packages that will be auctioned off. The 17 items offered include cooking classes or full meals.

"It might be dinner for six at your home, prepared by one of the chefs," Cavaness said.
In your voice

Brian Blanchard of iMonelli Restaurant prepares a seafood crepe. Blanchard will be taking part in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs event Thursday at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette.
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Brian Blanchard of iMonelli Restaurant prepares a seafood crepe. Blanchard will be taking part in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs event Thursday at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. (John Rowland/jrowland@theadvertiser.com)

Check it out

The Signature Chefs Phantom Gala will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Petroleum Club of Lafayette. For more information, call 233-8476.

Here are the restaurants and dishes that will take part in the event:


# iMonelli, Seafood Crepes

# Poor Boys Riverside Inn, Duck and Andouille Gumbo

# Prejean's, Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

# Russo's Old Worlds Foods, Chicken Venezia,

# Ruth Chris Steakhouse, Tomato Brochette, Pepper Crusted Tenderloin

# Tsunami Sushi, Assorted Sushi, Rolls, Sashimi, other Asian bites

# Petroleum Club of Lafayette, Crab Cake Genevieve

# Café Vermillion, Grilled Garlic Shrimp wrapped in Applewood Smoked Bacon

# Zea's Rotisserie and Grill, Roasted Pork with Apple Ginger Gravy

# a la carte, Grape Leaves

# Blue Dog Café, Crawfish Enchiladas

# Jolie's Louisiana, Pork Duxelle En Croute with a Creole Tomato Ragout

# Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese Montadillos with piquillo peppers and hot smoked paprika

# Poupart's Bakery, desserts