Decadent wines. World-class cuisine. An auction as exhilarating as it was extravagant. The Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Carnivale du Vin dazzled guests on November 4 at The Fillmore, delivering an evening worthy of its legendary reputation. From the moment partygoers stepped through the doors, they were swept into a world of indulgence—flutes of champagne in hand, craft cocktails at the ready, and plates of artfully prepared bites passing through the crowd. Celebrity chef and television personality Andrew Zimmern set the tone as emcee, while the incomparable Dawn Marie Kotsonis commanded the live auction floor with wit and precision. Every winning bidder left with a dash of New Orleans lagniappe: a special bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne to savor at home. Meanwhile, the silent auction tempted with 90 exquisite lots—64 of them dedicated to the art of wine. Between bids, guests were treated to sultry performances by Fleur de Tease and the irresistible rhythms of Big Sam’s Funky Nation. Beyond the glamour, the night’s purpose rang clear. Proceeds support the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, founded by Chef Emeril and his wife, Alden Lagasse, whose programs—including Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, the Community Grants Program, and the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund—nurture, mentor, and empower young people to dream big and reach their fullest potential.