Dine Roundup: Epicurean Society names new director, Louisiana Spring Dinner, and more food news

Epicurean Society names new executive director

Melissa Parmelee has taken the reins as executive director of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, according to a press release. Parmelee previously worked in fundraising, event planning and program management at the United Way and the Red Cross. She was named to the 2011 class of Business Report‘s 40 Under 40 and was a Forum 35 member of the year for 2013.

“We are thrilled to have her on board as we celebrate 10 years of service to the Baton Rouge community,” the press release says. “She has been very active in our community for many years in many charitable efforts and is very excited about the opportunities that our group has to offer in the betterment of children’s health and nutritional education.”

The Epicurean Society is currently prepping for this year’s CrawFête, where local chefs compete with their best crawfish dishes, scheduled for April 28 at Mockler Beverage. Find out more and purchase tickets here. The society’s other big event, Fête Rouge, is set for Aug. 25-26.

Local chefs present Louisiana Spring Dinner next Thursday

Local chefs Robert Larson and Jesse Romero will host the Louisiana Spring Dinner at the Shoppers Choice Showroom, Thursday, April 21, 6-8 p.m.

The chefs have created a Louisiana-sourced dinner menu for the event, highlighting the outdoor kitchen equipment on display.

Tickets are first come, first served and must be purchased before April 15. Purchase tickets here.

Beer tastings at Whole Foods Market next week

Baton Rouge’s Whole Foods Market will present two beer tastings, one on Wednesday, April 20, and another on Saturday, April 23.

The April 20 tasting, Conservation on Tap, begins at 6:30 p.m. and will join coastal restoration advocates Vanishing Paradise and New Belgium Brewery. The tasting is an opportunity to learn about coastal conservation efforts and will feature craft beer and cheese samplings.

Tickets are $10 and all proceeds benefit Vanishing Paradise. Purchase tickets here.

The April 23 tasting, a celebration of Abita Brewery’s Big Easy IPA, begins at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

On the road: Ascension Music Jam this Saturday, April 16

The second annual Ascension Music Jam takes place this Saturday, April 16, 2-9 p.m. The seven-hour music festival featuring Ascension Parish musicians will be located in the newly renovated 4-H building at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center.

Admission is $5, and food and drink will be available for purchase.