On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, Compère Lapin will bring together some of the most acclaimed voices in contemporary cuisine for a one-night-only charity dinner. The evening will benefit the Sir John Compton Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit created in honor of Chef Nina Compton’s late father, Sir John Compton of Saint Lucia.
Chef Compton, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind Compère Lapin, will be joined in the kitchen by a remarkable lineup of culinary talent. The collaborative dinner will feature Top Chef Season 22 winner Tristen Epps Long, James Beard Outstanding Pastry Chef semifinalist Camari Mick of The Musket Room and Raf’s, and celebrated Caribbean chef and author Rawlston Williams, founder of The Food Sermon. Together, the four chefs will craft a four-course menu that highlights their diverse backgrounds and culinary influences.
The evening begins with a series of small bites including Dasheen Puff with cashew and coconut butter topped with caviar, Gulf oyster prepared with souskaye, Accra with sauce chien, and jollof arancini. Each chef will then showcase their signature approach in the savory courses. Nina Compton will present coffee and onion ash cured cobia with sauce creole and avocado. Rawlston Williams will prepare his Vincentian Celebration of Corn, a dish that pays tribute to the food traditions of his home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Tristen Epps Long will highlight the Afro-Caribbean flavors that helped him win Top Chef with a whole roasted fish served with oil down and pigtails. To conclude the evening, Camari Mick will serve a Calypso Banana Foster Mille Feuille paired with an Appleton Estate Rum semifreddo, a dessert that reflects both her creativity and her Caribbean roots. An optional wine pairing will also be available.
The chefs at the center of this event each bring their own distinguished path to the table. Nina Compton, a native of Saint Lucia, has become one of the defining figures in New Orleans dining, celebrated for weaving the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing with French and Italian techniques while incorporating the bounty of Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Tristen Epps Long is a rising star whose Top Chef victory spotlighted his dedication to Afro-Caribbean fine dining. He honed his craft in Michelin-level kitchens and under the mentorship of Marcus Samuelsson, bringing global recognition to his bold approach to traditional flavors. Camari Mick has emerged as one of New York City’s most celebrated pastry chefs, earning honors from Food & Wine and Forbes, as well as a James Beard semifinalist nod. Her inventive desserts highlight both technique and cultural heritage. Rawlston Williams, born in St. Vincent and raised in Brooklyn, is an author, entrepreneur, and founder of The Food Sermon. His food blends deep Caribbean traditions with a modern sensibility and a commitment to community.
The charity dinner at Compère Lapin is priced at $100 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Proceeds will support the Sir John Compton Memorial Foundation, continuing the legacy of leadership and service that defined Sir John Compton’s life. The event will run from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at Compère Lapin, located inside the Old No. 77 Hotel on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. Seating is limited and advance reservations are required. Guests can reserve through OpenTable or at www.comperelapin.com.
This special evening promises more than just a meal. It is a chance to experience the creativity of world-class chefs while supporting a foundation rooted in cultural pride and meaningful service.
