Culinary Connections to the Rainforest

On October 1st, 2013, Dickie Brennan and friends of the Amazon Conservation Team are hosting a dinner at Dickie Brennan's newest restaurant in Jackson Square, Tableau, featuring a fascinating discussion led by Dr. Mark Plotkin of ACT at the adjoining Le Petit Theatre. Dr. Mark Plotkin, renowned enthobotanist, co-founder of ACT, and most importantly, a native of the Crescent City, will talk about everyday food items we use in New Orleans cuisine that originate in the Amazon rainforest and the global significance of preserving this precious resource. An exquisite dinner will follow at Tableau incorporating the foods and spices with origins in the rainforest as discussed by Dr. Plotkin.

The Amazon Conservation Team, a non-profit organization based in Arlington, Virginia, works in partnership with indigenous people of the Amazon to conserve the biodiversity of the rainforest as well as the culture and land of the indigenous people. ACT was formed in 1996 by Dr. Plotkin and his wife, Liliana Madrigal. Dr. Plotkin actually funded his first trip to the Amazon in 1976 working at one of Mr. Brennan's first restaurants when he was just beginning this incredible journey.