Rodrigue, Sclafani honored by Louisiana Restaurant Association
The Louisiana Restaurant Association announced yesterday that Ruffino’s co-owners Peter Sclafani and Ruffin Rodrigue have been named its 2014 Restaurateurs of the Year. The award will be officially presented on August 2 at the LRA’s annual Five Star Futures Gala.
Recognized for their exceptional cuisine, unparalleled customer service and commitment to community, the Bayou State natives have distinguished themselves with their long-standing support of southern Louisiana cuisine.
“Sclafani and Rodrigue are great philanthropists in the Baton Rouge community, supporting numerous fundraising activities for civic and non-profit endeavors,” said the LRA in a press release.
Ruffino’s is in the midst of a significant expansion, recently renovating and moving their headquarters and catering operations into De La Ronde Hall in downtown Baton Rouge. Last spring, Sclafani and Rodrigue opened their second restaurant, Ruffino’s on the River, in Lafayette. The original Ruffino’s Restaurant is on Highland Road in Baton Rouge.
In December, Sclafani – an award-winning, third-generation chef from New Orleans – debuted his first cookbook, Seasons of Louisiana. The book is now available at Barnes & Noble bookstores across Louisiana, as well as several grocery chains and other retailers. Sclafani has also been invited to showcase his signature Italian-Creole cuisine, for the second consecutive year, at the world-famous James Beard House in New York City this September.
Rodrigue, a former All American guard for the LSU Tigers who hails from Thibodaux, manages the front of the house and operations for the restaurants.
“This is obviously a tremendous honor for us two Louisiana boys,” said Rodrigue. “Let’s face it…our state is overflowing with extraordinary chefs and world-class restaurants. To be singled out from among our peers is truly humbling.”
For more information, visit RuffinosRestaurant.com or RuffinosLafayette.com.
