Fęte Rouge cooking up plans

May 31, 2009

Fęte Rouge, the city’s first-ever culinary festival, is solidifying its plans for the weekend of Aug. 27-29 at the Sheraton Atrium. A schedule of festivities, which include wine tastings, chef competitions, cooking demos, appearances by Holly Clegg and Chef John Folse, as well as an awards ceremony honoring retired distributor Frank Bologna. The 81-year-old is responsible for flourishing the wine business Baton Rouge experiences today. Now that Southern Breeze and Taste of Baton Rouge are out the way, Fęte Rouge is sure to be the premiere foodie event, and may even put this city on the culinary map in no time.

Thursday, Aug. 27

6:30 p.m. Cocktails

7 p.m. Grace ‘Mama’ Marino Lifetime Achievement Dinner honoring Frank Bologna

(six-course wine dinner and music by the Ned Fasullo Orchestra; tickets $200)

Friday, Aug. 28

5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – The Last Days of Linen Food & Wine Gala, featuring a Louisiana chefs vying for a gold medal. Music by the Troy Davis Trio, a silent auction, door prize for instant 75-bottle wine cellar, cooking demonstration by Holly Clegg, artwork, media wine judging and more than 150 wines from around the world to taste. Tickets are $75, $85 at the door.

Saturday, Aug. 29

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. – The Cork Poppin’ Cajun Rockin’ Food & Wine Gala, as the Louisiana chefs competition continues with a backdrop of live zydeco music, artwork, a door prize for an instant wine cellar and cooking demos by Chef John Folse. Enjoy more than 150 wines paired with special foods prepared by top chefs and restaurants in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Tickets are $75, $85 at the door.

Proceeds benefit the festival’s nonprofit host, the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, which helps local child nutrition programs, 4-H leadership programs, Pro-Start culinary high school programs, epicurean scholarships and the cultural preservation of Greater Baton Rouge.

Tickets to the awards dinner Thursday evening are $200 per person. A complete package to all three events is $295. Visit bresbr.info for details. (File photo)