Slow Food Fall Heat promotes local food, healthy eating

Local chef competition celebrates community and farm-fresh cooking

More than 10 chefs and cocktail connoisseurs will serve up farm-to-table dishes and surprise cocktails at Slow Food Baton Rouge’s Fall Heat event Sunday, Oct. 18.

Slow Food board member Robert Munson says this year’s event will be bigger and more energetic than before.

Participating chefs are Joseph Graves of Portobello’s Grill, Andy Papson of Tallulah, Marshall Dubois of Mahoney’s Irish Pub, Kevin Dragon of Table Kitchen and Bar, Aaron Brown of Lasseigne’s American Grill, Tanner Purdum of Magpie Café, Matthew Smith of The Haven at Windermere and Chef Celeste of Louisiana Treasures.

Mixologists and bars participating in the cocktail competition are Jessica Torres of Beausoleil, Benjamin Moore of Lock and Key, Todd Moon of Duvic’s, Cheryl Monroe of Sac-a-Lait, and Bin 77.

The cocktail competition is a new addition to Fall Heat and changes the  nature of the chefs’ competition, Munson says.

Previously, the chefs were judged on how well their dishes paired with particular beers. Because of the cocktail competition this year, the chefs at Fall Heat aren’t judged on pairings, just how well they can whip up a delicious plate using farm-fresh ingredients.

“We can’t wait to see what the mixologists bring to the competition,” Munson says. “I think it’s going to add a lot of energy and interest to what was already a great event.”

Though the event can generate a competitive atmosphere, Munson says the main idea of Fall Heat is to celebrate and have fun.

“We’re celebrating community, music, talented local chefs, great local products and incredible food and drink,” Munson says. “This is all about having a good time for a great cause.”

Slow Food, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of a healthier, sustainable local food system, started hosting the event in 2013 to promote more farm-to-table cuisine in Baton Rouge.

Proceeds from Fall Heat benefit Slow Food’s Greauxing Healthy Baton Rouge initiative, a farm-to-school program that emphasizes nutrition for students.

Fall Heat is at the Burden Center at the LSU AgCenter Botanical Gardens from 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 18.

Tickets to Fall Heat are $35, and children younger than 12 get in free. Purchase tickets here.