CHEF MARIO BATALI TO BE HONORED AT 2009 CARNIVALE DU VIN

Stage Set for Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Biggest Night of Revelry and Charity – Ultimate Grand Tasting Pairs 40 of the Country’s Top Chefs & Vintners

NEW ORLEANS (November 4, 2009) – The special fifth anniversary Carnivale du Vin gala and wine auction benefiting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation will bring together over 40 prestigious names in the culinary and wine worlds on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at The Venetian | The Palazzo in Las Vegas. Chef Mario Batali will be recognized as the 2009 Carnivale du Vin Honoree, commemorating his participation, friendship and support of the annual charity event and the Emeril Lagasse Foundation since its inception…and giving us yet another excuse to put on our dinner jacket and strut around like a penguin.

In his fifth year participating as a “Krewe du Vin” chef, Chef Batali has continuously devoted his time, talent and vivacious energy to Carnivale du Vin. Batali also serves on the Emeril Lagasse Foundation board of directors. His commitment to children is evident, both through his support and friendship to the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, and through his recently founded Mario Batali Foundation, which continues his mission to feed, protect, educate and empower children.

As the foundation’s primary fundraiser, Carnivale du Vin has consistently ranked among the “Top Ten U.S. Charity Wine Auctions” in Wine Spectator magazine. Since the inaugural event was held in Las Vegas in October 2005, over $3 million has been granted to charities in New Orleans and on the Gulf Coast.

Other all-star chefs in the line-up joining Emeril Lagasse and Mario Batali include: Daniel Boulud, Michael Mina, Charlie Palmer, Wolfgang Puck, and Nancy Silverton to mention just a few. Some of the world-class vintners pouring exquisite wines are Au Bon Climat, Domaine Serene, Gemstone Vineyard, Kosta Browne Winery, Pride Mountain Vineyards, Schrader Cellars and Williams Selyem.

Limited tickets are still available, for more information please visit www.carnivaleduvin.com.

About the Emeril Lagasse Foundation (ELF): The Emeril Lagasse Foundation seeks to inspire, mentor and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive and creative individuals. The foundation supports and encourages programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children within communities where Emeril’s restaurants operate. Established in 2002 as the realization of Chef Emeril’s dream to improve the quality of young people’s lives, Emeril Lagasse Foundation awards grant funding to non-profit organizations providing educational programs. The foundation has helped major capital projects at Edible Schoolyard at Green Charter School, St. Michael Special School and Café Reconcile. It also supports afterschool and summer programs throughout New Orleans. As of October 2009, Emeril Lagasse Foundation has given over $3 million to culinary, nutrition, garden, arts and life skills programs in New Orleans and Gulf Coast. For more information on Emeril Lagasse Foundation, please visit www.emeril.org.

# # #