Hispanic Hobnobbing

The Empire Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel buzzed with the excitement of one of the most anticipated events of the season, the Excelencia Gala. Put on by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, it commenced with a patron party sponsored by Brasa Steakhouse and chef Edgar Caro , who purveyed such tasty Colombian fare as sancocho de res. Julio & Cesar kicked off the sounds.

At 8 p.m., Val Grubb, of Val Grubb and Associates, stepped forward as mistress of ceremonies for the Colombia-inspired evening. Next came the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, welcoming remarks by the HCCL President and CEO Mayra E. Pineda and the lauding of the honorees. They were Pan-American Life Insurance Group (Corporate Partner), New Orleans Jazz Museum (

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