On Thursday, April 11, 2024, Today with Hoda and Jenna takes viewers on a journey to New Orleans, featuring chef Nina Compton’s culinary delights and Donna’s participation in the Big Easy Roller Derby.
Nina Compton, a James Beard Award-winning chef, showcases the vibrant food scene of New Orleans. Born and raised in St. Lucia, Compton trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and honed her skills under renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud, Norman Van Aken, and Philippe Ruiz. Her culinary journey led her to Miami and eventually to New Orleans, where she opened her first restaurant, Compère Lapin, in 2015. Compton’s cuisine blends Caribbean influences with French and Italian techniques, celebrating the indigenous ingredients of the Gulf and Louisiana. Her second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, opened in 2018, offers contemporary American fare with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Compton has appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef, finishing as runner-up in Season 11, and has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Food & Wine magazine’s “Best New Chefs” in 2017. She is also a culinary ambassador for St. Lucia, promoting the island’s cuisine and culture.
The Big Easy Roller Derby, established in 2005, is an all-gender flat-track roller derby league based in New Orleans. The league encourages and facilitates the sport for all genders, providing athletic entertainment while supporting charitable organizations that benefit the community. Donna, a new member of the league, will be joining the diverse group of female athletes who come from various professional backgrounds.
Today with Hoda and Jenna airs on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. on NBC.
