An estimated 30,000 visitors attended the second annual New Orleans Roadfood Festival, the regional American food festival that took place March 27 to 28 on Royal Street in New Orleans. Nearly 50 restaurants representing four states participated in the event, which is a joint venture of Roadfood.com and the New Orleans Convention Company.

(l to r) John, Gail and Anthony Uglesich accept the inaugural Roadfood Blue Plate Award*

At the opening night party, held at the Boucvalt House, Gail and Anthony Uglesich, of New Orleans restaurant Uglesich's, received the first-ever Roadfood Blue Plate Award, which honors cooks and restaurateurs who have made a unique contribution to regional cuisine, helping sustain American foodways. The weekend also included a street festival of sample-size eats from legendary road food restaurants and the Roadfood Festival's sister event, the Louisiana Oyster Jubilee. Next year’s festival is scheduled for March 26 to 27, 2011.

*Photo courtesy of Stephen Rushmore