fight back through food.
Chefs for Justice is a citywide restaurant series celebrating the ACLU of Louisiana, taking place September, 2026. We are bringing together the culinary community to celebrate what makes New Orleans special: our food, our people, and our deep-rooted culture, while also supporting a critical mission. In honor of their 70th anniversary, we have selected the ACLU of Louisiana as the beneficiary of this series.
The ACLU of Louisiana advances justice and equity through bold litigation and community-centered advocacy, uplifting the constitutional rights of vulnerable communities and driving transformative change for all Louisianans. Additionally, The ACLU of Louisiana is deeply committed to defending the rights and dignity of immigrant communities across our state. Immigrants are an essential part of Louisiana’s restaurant industry. Supporting this project means standing with the people who keep our kitchens running and our culinary traditions alive.
The concept is simple and flexible: each participating restaurant creates their own promotion during a timeperiod of their choice in September. Whether it’s a special tasting menu, a themed dinner, a pig roast, a signature cocktail, or something entirely distinct, restaurants across the city have designed an experience that reflects their unique style.
A select amount of proceeds from each promotion will be donated to the ACLU of Louisiana.
Our co-hosts
Chef Adolfo Garcia
Chef Adolfo Garcia is a celebrated figure in New Orleans’ culinary scene. Raised in the city by Panamanian parents, he blends local seafood and Creole traditions with Latin American flavors, creating a distinctive and beloved style. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, his career has taken him through London, Madrid, and New York before returning home to open acclaimed restaurants including La Boca and High Hat. His work has earned numerous accolades, including recognition from the James Beard Foundation and New Orleans Magazine.
Nicole Caridad Ralston
Nicole Caridad Ralston brings a deep passion for both food and social justice to this effort. Through her platform @EatenPathNola, she highlights the rich cultural histories behind New Orleans cuisine, celebrating the communities and traditions that shape it. As a Cuban American, she sees New Orleans as the northernmost part of the Caribbean and is dedicated to uplifting the stories behind the food we all love. She serves as the Affiliate Equity Officer on the ACLU of Louisiana’s Board of Directors.