Feast and Fęte – Food and philanthropy with the Epicurean Society

Seven years ago, a handful of colleagues in the Baton Rouge restaurant business were blowing off steam at Gino’s and discussing the local food scene. They believed that Capital City chefs had more going on than people realized, and that it was time to shine a light on the city’s talent and creativity.

That evening, Justin McDonald of Mansurs on the Boulevard and French Market Bistro, Scott Callais, now of Juban’s Restaurant, wine expert Dori Murvin, Kevin Kimball, formerly with the Camelot Club and T.J. Ribs, wine purveyor Jason Johnson and the Camelot Club’s Jimmy Ward laid the groundwork for what would become the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, a nonprofit formed to celebrate the city’s burgeoning culinary culture and to support related charities. Noting the success of the 20-year-old New Orleans Wine and Food Experience (NOWFE), the group also developed a keystone event—Fęte Rouge—which has become Baton Rouge’s premier food and wine tasting gala. It will be held later this month at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Fęte Rouge has grown significantly since its launch in 2007, says Epicurean Society Executive Director Renée Dugas-Molbert. “We had about three to four hundred people the first year at the Camelot Club, and it’s gotten so big we’re planning for about 1,350 at the Crowne Plaza this year,” she says. “We wanted this event to be a culinary hub and to show people they didn’t have to drive to New Orleans or Lafayette for great food and wine.”

Dugas-Molbert expects about 40 local restaurant chefs to participate in the August gathering, which features original dishes prepared for tasting and competition. Categories include meat, seafood, dessert and “Louisiana Lagniappe,” in which 80% of the ingredients must have a local provenance. Judges will award top honors in each category, as well as a Best in Show award. Patrons can also weigh in by voting for their top dish in the People’s Choice Award.

The night before the tasting, the Epicurean Society will also host its annual Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner honoring a key contributor to the Baton Rouge culinary scene. The 2013 Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Vince Ferachi, owner of Capital City Produce. Local chefs will prepare a produce-driven, Italian-inspired seven-course dinner, says Dugas-Molbert.

There’s no doubt that the Epicurean Society was on to something when it formed—since 2007, Baton Rouge’s food identity has advanced considerably with an explosion of food trucks, a flourishing and stable farmers market and more chefs eager to integrate national trends and artisan ingredients. But the Epicurean Society’s measure of success goes beyond the city’s culinary image. The group has donated more than $213,000 to charities that help fight childhood obesity and encourage good health, including Girls on the Run, a non-competitive running program for third- through fifth-grade girls that takes place at some local schools.

Dugas-Molbert says all proceeds from this year’s Fęte Rouge silent auction will go to Girls on the Run; she expects to raise about $20,000. Moreover, the Epicurean Society supports scholarships for Baton Rouge natives to attend the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and the Food Science program at LSU.

“The charity component is a big deal for us,” says Dugas-Molbert. “This is our community, and we want to make a difference.”

Thursday, Aug. 22: Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner honoring Vince Ferachi of Capital City Produce. 7 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel. $200 per person.
Friday, Aug. 23: Food & Wine Fęte, tasting event with more than 40 local chefs. 6-9 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel. $50 in advance; $65 at the door.
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