Gail Simmons visited New Orleans for a good cause, but she also made sure to take a food tour of the city’s trendiest hotspots.

The celebrity food writer and permanent “Top Chef” judge was a guest chef for the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Carnivale du Vin , a fundraiser benefiting charities and organizations that support and empower youth. All of the guest chefs were women and included “Top Chef” host and celebrity chef Kristen Kish, Acamaya co-owner and head chef Ana Castro and North Carolina chef and restaurant owner Ashley Christensen .

Simmons didn’t waste time on her visit to the Big Easy. The food expert has been hanging out with Nina Compton and shared some of her favorite plates and dishes from restaurants she’s eaten on her visit.

Her standouts include:

“Everything at Emeri

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