Historic $447,300 Raised for Local Charities at Galatoire’s Mardi Gras Table Auction

Mardi Gras Table Auction held Monday, Jan. 12

NEW ORLEANS – Jan. 15, 2026 – Galatoire Foundation set a new fundraising record this year, raising a historic $635,000 through its annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auction series – marking the first time in the event’s 20-year history that proceeds surpassed the half-million-dollar milestone.

The momentum peaked Monday night at the Mardi Gras table auction, held in Galatoire’s iconic first-floor dining room, where an energized crowd generated $447,300 during an evening of spirited bidding for the highly coveted tables at the legendary Friday-before-Mardi Gras lunch on Feb. 13. The night’s top bid soared to $36,000 for a 12-person table, a striking testament to the enduring demand and passion surrounding this storied tradition.

The record-setting total was bolstered by the Christmas table auction in December, which raised $189,000. Bidders also competed for an intimate in-home dinner for 10 prepared by Galatoire’s Director of Culinary Nicole Theriot, with wine pairings curated by Wine and Beverage Director Sarah Arceneaux, ultimately garnering $24,000 for two in-home experiences.

“The outpouring of generosity we witnessed this year was extraordinary and truly unprecedented,” said Melvin Rodrigue, president of Galatoire Foundation. “Reaching this milestone in our 20th year of table auctions speaks to how deeply this tradition resonates with our patrons. Their enthusiasm has transformed these auctions into a powerful force for good, allowing us to make a meaningful and lasting investment in the organizations that strengthen the New Orleans community.”

Money raised during this year’s auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits – including two table partners: Kid smART and The 18th Ward and six micro grant recipients: Ronald McDonald House of South Louisiana, Café Hope, Youth Empowerment Project, Society of St. Vincent de Paul New Orleans, Court Watch NOLA and Rooted Ones.

Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has held annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to leverage the popularity of dining at Galatoire’s on the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras in order to give back to local nonprofit organizations.

To date, the auctions have generated nearly $5 million for various charitable causes in the New Orleans area. This year’s auction series set an all-time record – coming in at over $4,000 per seat – continuing Galatoire Foundation’s tradition of community impact and generosity.

The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include STEM NOLA, Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that have patronized Galatoire’s for generations, ensuring the restaurant’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Louisiana culture and hospitality. Through the support of Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire, the Foundation continues to secure generations to come.

About Galatoire’s Restaurant

A national dining institution for over 120 years, Galatoire’s Restaurant has been honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and most recently with inclusion in The Michelin Guide’s 2025 American South Guide. Galatoire’s has continuously earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and is recognized for its renowned wine list. Galatoire’s is consistently named as one of New Orleans’ Top Restaurants by publications and critics worldwide. Saveur named Galatoire’s Friday Lunch one of its “25 Greatest Meals Ever,” while Bon Appetit magazine has recognized Galatoire’s as one of the nation’s “Top Celebration Restaurants.” For more information, visit www.galatoires.com.

Galatoire’s Table Auction Raises Record $187,500 for Local Charities

Christmas Table Auction held Monday, Dec. 1

NEW ORLEANS – Dec. 2, 2025 – Galatoire Foundation set a new fundraising record at its annual Christmas Table Auction, raising $187,500 during the event held Monday, Dec. 1, in Galatoire’s iconic first-floor dining room. Guests enjoyed a spirited evening of competitive bidding for the coveted opportunity to secure a table for the legendary Friday-before-Christmas lunch on Dec. 19. The night’s top bid reached an impressive $24,000 for an eight-person table, underscoring the enduring enthusiasm for this beloved holiday tradition.

Bidders also competed for a personal dinner for 10 prepared in-home by Galatoire’s Director of Culinary Nicole Theriot with wine pairings curated by Wine and Beverage Director Sarah Arceneaux. The private dining experience raised $7,500.

“We are profoundly grateful for the generosity of our loyal patrons and the extraordinary support shown for this year’s auction beneficiaries,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our table auctions, we are reminded that Galatoire’s legacy is rooted not only in tradition and hospitality, but in our unwavering commitment to the New Orleans community. It is truly inspiring to see how this tradition has grown into a meaningful celebration of giving. Our patrons’ enthusiasm makes it possible for us to invest in the organizations that make our city a better place, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their continued commitment.”

Money raised during this year’s auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits — including two table partners: Kid smART and The 18th Ward and six micro grant recipients: Ronald McDonald House of South Louisiana, Café Hope, Youth Empowerment Project, Society of St. Vincent de Paul New Orleans, Court Watch NOLA and Rooted Ones.

“The 18th Ward is grateful to be chosen by Galatoire Foundation as a recipient of this year’s table auctions,” said Lowrey Crews, founder and CEO of The 18^th Ward. “It was wonderful to gather with people who all have one thing in common: a love of New Orleans. We left the event even more motivated to expand youth opportunities and jobs in our community. Proceeds from the table auctions will allow us to enroll an additional 1,500 youth and create 25 more part-time jobs during our spring and summer programs in 2026.”

“KID smART is thrilled to be a beneficiary of the Galatoire’s table auctions. The event was electric – such a perfect example of New Orleans coming together to have fun while supporting great causes,” said Elise Gallinot Goldman, executive director of KID smART. “The support we receive will help us complete the KID smART Center for Arts & Education right off Bayou Road and increase our annual impact by 250%. What an incredible gift!”

Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has held annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to leverage the popularity of dining at Galatoire’s on the Fridays before Christmas and Mardi Gras in order to give back to local nonprofit organizations.

To date, the auctions have generated nearly $4.5 million for various charitable causes in the New Orleans area. Last year’s auction series set a record, coming in at $430,000 – over $2,792 per seat – continuing Galatoire Foundation’s tradition of community impact and generosity.

The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include STEM NOLA, Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.

The Mardi Gras table auction will take place in January, and the date will be announced soon.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that have patronized Galatoire’s for generations, ensuring the restaurant’s enduring legacy as a cornerstone of Louisiana culture and hospitality. Through the support of Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire, the Foundation continues to secure generations to come.

About Galatoire’s Restaurant

A national dining institution celebrating 120 years in 2025, Galatoire’s Restaurant was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant and inclusion in The Michelin Guide’s 2025 American South Guide. Galatoire’s has continuously earned the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence and is recognized for its renowned wine list. Galatoire’s is consistently named as one of New Orleans’ Top Restaurants by publications and critics worldwide. Saveur named Galatoire’s Friday Lunch one of its “25 Greatest Meals Ever,” while Bon Appetit magazine has recognized Galatoire’s as one of the nation’s “Top Celebration Restaurants.” For more information, visit www.galatoires.com.

Galatoire’s Restaurant Earns “Best of Award of Excellence” for Wine

Galatoire’s recognized as 2025 Wine Spectator Restaurant Award Winner

NEW ORLEANS – (July 1, 2025) – Galatoire’s Restaurant has been named a Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Award Winner once again earning the “Best of Award of Excellence” for their renowned 9,900-bottle wine selection.

The Galatoire’s wine list — featuring an extensive by-the-glass collection, acclaimed vintages and rare labels — is a carefully curated journey through some of the world’s most distinguished vineyards. Encompassing options across a broad range of price points, every bottle is hand selected to complement the restaurant’s cuisine.

“At Galatoire’s, we approach wine selection as an art of discernment,” said Galatoire’s wine director Sarah Arceneaux. “Each bottle is meticulously chosen to harmonize with our menu offerings, giving guests an elevated dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.” 

The “Best of Award of Excellence” winners are chosen for wine lists that display excellent breadth across multiple winegrowing regions and/or significant vertical depth of top producers, along with superior presentation. Known as destinations for serious wine lovers, winners in this category show a deep commitment to wine, both in the cellar and through their service team. These restaurants also provide extensive training and educational resources for staff so that they can help customers make well-informed wine selections.

This year’s awards program recognized 3,811 dining destinations from all 50 states and more than 80 countries worldwide. Since 1981, the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards have had three distinct levels: “Award of Excellence,” “Best of Award of Excellence” and “Grand Award.” Galatoire’s has earned the “Award of Excellence” every year from 2007 to 2010. From 2011 to 2020, 2023 and 2025, the restaurant achieved the “Best of Award of Excellence.”

Galatoire’s will be featured in the August 31, 2025, issue of Wine Spectator, available on newsstands July 15.

$284,000 RAISED AT GALATOIRE’S MARDI GRAS TABLE AUCTION

NEW ORLEANS – Feb. 6, 2025 – Galatoire’s Restaurant and Galatoire Foundation raised more than $284,000 at its annual Mardi Gras Table Auction, held Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, in Galatoire’s historic first floor main dining room. The event featured a festive evening of competitive bidding, signature Galatoire’s hors d’oeuvres and complimentary champagne. The highest bid of the night was $22,000 for a table for 8. In total, 154 seats were auctioned for the Friday before Mardi Gras.

To close out the evening, a private in-home dinner for 10 prepared by Executive Chef Phillip Lopez, including five courses with wine pairings, garnered a winning bid of $16,000.

Combined with the Christmas Auction held in December, a record-breaking $440,000 was raised for this year’s beneficiaries. To date, the table auctions have raised more than $4.3 million for local charities.

“We are continually amazed by the incredible generosity of our loyal patrons,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “It is truly inspiring how their unwavering support allows us to leverage the Friday lunches before Christmas and Mardi Gras year after year to give back to organizations that are making New Orleans a better place to live and work every day.”

Annually, Galatoire Foundation holds Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in supporting local nonprofit organizations. Money raised during the year’s table auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits, including two table partners: STEM NOLA and Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana and six micro grant recipients: Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, Ignatian Volunteer Corps New Orleans, NOCHI, Son of a Saint, The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and The Bright School.

Since 2006, auction proceeds have benefitted dozens of New Orleans-area charitable organizations, from neighborhood rebuilding projects and crime prevention to youth programs and entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include NAMI New Orleans, Bayou District Foundation, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, The Roots of Music, Kingsley House and more.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture. Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” and Galerie de Galatoire. More information can be found here.

Galatoire Foundation Raises Record $156,000 for Local Nonprofits

NEW ORLEANS – Dec. 3, 2024 – Galatoire Foundation raised a record $156,200 at its annual Christmas Table Auction, held Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 in Galatoire’s famed first floor main dining room. The event featured a lively evening of competitive bidding for the chance to win a table for the Friday lunch before Christmas on Dec. 20. The highest bid of the night was $18,000 for an 8-person table.

“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our loyal patrons and the outpouring of support for this year’s auction beneficiaries,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “We are so grateful that we can continue to leverage our patrons’ love of Galatoire’s to give back to the community year after year through our table auctions.”

Money raised during this year’s auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits — including two table partners: STEM NOLA and Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana and six micro grant recipients: Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, New Orleans, NOCHI, Son of a Saint, The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and The Bright School.

Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has organized annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in aiding local nonprofit organizations. The auctions have now successfully generated over $4 million for various charitable causes in the New Orleans area. The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.

Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” and Galerie de Galatoire.

The Mardi Gras table auction will take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture. More information can be found here.

Galatoire Foundation Announces Beneficiaries, Date for Annual Christmas Table Auction

Tickets for the Dec. 2 Christmas Table Auction available now

November 13, 2024 – Galatoire’s Restaurant and Galatoire Foundation announced today the beneficiaries for their annual Christmas and Mardi Gras Table Auctions to be held at Galatoire’s Restaurant. The Christmas Table Auction will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024. The Mardi Gras Table Auction will be held in January.

This year’s table auctions will benefit Galatoire Foundation and eight other local non-profits, including two table partners and six micro grant recipients. The table partners are STEM NOLA and Volunteers of America of Southeast Louisiana. The micro grant recipients are Edible Schoolyard New Orleans, Ignatian Volunteer Corps New Orleans, NOCHI, Son of a Saint, The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and The Bright School.

“Seeing the support and enthusiasm for our annual table auctions grow over the past two decades is truly inspiring. We are fortunate to have such loyal patrons who are so passionate about giving back to our community,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “We are grateful for these organizations who are working tirelessly to make New Orleans a better place for the people who call it home.”

Each year, Galatoire Foundation holds Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to raise funds in support of local nonprofit organizations. The Christmas Table Auction will start with a cocktail hour in Bar 33 followed by an evening filled with spirited competitive bidding for the chance to claim a coveted table on Galatoire’s famed first floor on the Friday before Christmas, one of the most sought-after days to have lunch at the restaurant.

Since the auctions’ inception in 2006, all proceeds have benefited numerous New Orleans-area charitable organizations, from neighborhood rebuilding projects and crime prevention to youth programs and entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients have included NAMI New Orleans, Bayou District Foundation, Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carre, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, The Roots of Music, Kingsley House and more. Galatoire Foundation is dedicated to giving back to its local and regional communities and the generations of people who have made dining at Galatoire’s a beloved New Orleans tradition for nearly 120 years. To date, the annual table auctions have raised more than $3.8 million for local charities.

Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” and Galerie de Galatoire.

Christmas Auction paddles and tickets can be purchased here.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture. More information can be found here.

Galatoire Foundation Raises Over $250,000 at Mardi Gras Table Auction

NEW ORLEANS – Jan. 10, 2024 – Galatoire Foundation raised more than a quarter of a million dollars at its annual Mardi Gras Table Auction, held Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 in Galatoire’s historic first floor main dining room. The highest bid of the night was an astounding $34,000 for a 12-person table. Combined with the Christmas Auction held in December, more than $380,000 was raised for this year’s beneficiaries.

New this year, the festivities started with a cocktail hour in Bar 33 followed by an energetic evening filled with lively competitive bidding, complemented by Galatoire's renowned hors d'oeuvres and premium champagne.

Money raised during the year’s table auctions benefit Galatoire Foundation and 10 other local non-profits — including two table partners, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans — and eight micro grant recipients, Electric Girls, Girls on the Run, Historic BK House and Gardens, Hotel Hope, Project Lazarus, Raphael Village, St. Michael Special School and YEAH! YOGA.

“We are continuously blown away by the generosity of our devoted Galatoire’s patrons. It is because of them that we can support so many wonderful and timely organizations in our city,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “The fact that we were able to raise over a quarter of a million dollars for the Mardi Gras table auction and more than $380,000 this auction season is truly incredible.”

Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has organized annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in aiding local nonprofit organizations. To date, these auctions have generated over $3.8 million for charitable causes in the New Orleans area. The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.

Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire.

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About Galatoire Foundation
Galatoire Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to giving back to the New Orleans community and region that has patronized Galatoire’s for generations, allowing us to secure generations to come and remain a cornerstone in representing Louisiana and its authentic culture. More information can be found here.

Christmas Table Auction held Monday, December 4

NEW ORLEANS – Dec. 6, 2023 – Galatoire Foundation raised a record-breaking $130,000 at its annual Christmas Table Auction, held Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 in Galatoire’s famed first floor main dining room. The highest bid of the night was $11,000 for a 12-person table.

To start the evening, bidders competed for a personal dinner for eight prepared in-home by Executive Chef Phillip Lopez with wine pairings curated by Wine and Beverage Director Morgan Fouss. The private dinner experience was offered in honor of the late Leon Galatoire and raised $8,250 for a cause that was special to him, Second Harvest Food Bank.

The table auction was a spirited night of competitive bidding, accompanied by Galatoire's distinctive hors d'oeuvres and premium Champagne.

Money raised during the table auction benefits Galatoire Foundation and 10 other local non-profits — including two table partners, Bayou District Foundation, NAMI New Orleans — and eight micro grant recipients, Electric Girls, Girls on the Run, Historic BK House and Gardens, Hotel Hope, Project Lazarus, Raphael Village, St. Michael Special School and YEAH! YOGA.

“We are delighted that for nearly two decades we have supported nonprofits in our community through our annual table auctions,” said Melvin Rodrigue, Galatoire Foundation president. “We are grateful for the generosity of our loyal Galatoire’s patrons and for the widespread support for this tradition to be able to give back to these deserving organizations in our city during the holiday season. New Orleans has been home to Galatoire’s for nearly 120 years, and we are dedicated to supporting our community and region.”

Since 2006, Galatoire Foundation has organized annual Christmas and Mardi Gras table auctions to assist in aiding local nonprofit organizations. These auctions have successfully generated over $3.5 million for various charitable causes in the New Orleans area. The funds have made a positive impact on numerous initiatives, ranging from neighborhood rebuilding and crime prevention to supporting youth programs and fostering entrepreneurship efforts. Past recipients include Covenant House, Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, Kingsley House, Dress for Success, Audubon Nature Institute, Liberty’s Kitchen, The Idea Village, The New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation and more.

Galatoire Foundation’s community involvement extends across south Louisiana, working through Galatoire’s, Galatoire’s “33” Bar & Steak and Galerie de Galatoire.

The Mardi Gras table auction will take place on January 9, 2024.

Featuring luxury champagne from the LVMH Portfolio

NEW ORLEANS, La. (November 30, 2023) – Galatoire’s Restaurant is pleased to announce their annual New Year’s Eve Champagne dinner will be held at Galerie de Galatoire (211 Royal Street, New Orleans) on Sunday, December 31, 2023 from 8 p.m. through Midnight. Ring in the New Year with hand-passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 8 p.m. followed by a four-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Phillip Lopez and luxury champagne pairings from the LVMH Portfolio from 9 p.m. through Midnight. Guests will enjoy live music from Anais St. John, a photobooth experience for keepsakes and a full, open bar for the duration of the event.

The menu for the evening includes:

Hand Passed Hors D’oeuvres

Wagyu Steak Tartare

Louisiana Lump Crab Maison

Torchon de Foie Gras

Bourbon Smoked Salmon

Paired with Chandon Blanc de Pinot Noir Cocktail

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Poached Pear Salad

petit gem lettuce, pumpkin seed brittle, Asher blue cheese

Paired with Moët & Chandon Impérial

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Redfish Rockefeller en Croute

satsuma beurre noisette, Herbsaint, tarragon

Paired with Ruinart Rosé

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Cohiba Cigar Smoked Wagyu Striploin

Marchand de Vin, chipotle sweet potato, turnip

Paired with Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013

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Moroccan Spiced Apple Tart

hazelnut, candied brioche streusel, vanilla bean gelato

Paired with Veuve Clicquot Demi-Sec

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Tickets for the New Year’s Eve Champagne Dinner are $300 per person, all-inclusive for hors d’oeuvres and four course dinner with luxury champagne pairings from the LVMH Portfolio and open bar. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To purchase, email sales@galatoires.com.

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About Galatoire’s Restaurant: A national dining institution, Galatoire’s Restaurant was honored with the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant and is consistently named as one of New Orleans’ Top 10 Restaurants by publications and critics worldwide. Galatoire's has continuously earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and is recognized for its renowned wine list. Saveur also named Galatoire's Friday Lunch one of its "25 Greatest Meals Ever," while Bon Appetit magazine has recognized Galatoire's as one of the nation's "Top Celebration Restaurants."