Fête Rouge returns Thursday, serving an evening of food, wine and competition

One of the city’s biggest events for food and wine is back this week. Fête Rouge takes place Thursday, Aug. 27, with more restaurants, hundreds of wines and a mission to fight food insecurity behind every ticket. 

Hosted by the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, the event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at L’Auberge Casino Hotel’s Event Center. The annual event brings together Baton Rouge restaurants, chefs and wine representatives for an evening of tastings and competition, with proceeds supporting childhood nutrition, food security and hospitality education programs.

“I am amazed with the lineup this year,” says BRES executive director Sarah Gray. “If you’re going to dinner Thursday night, I’m not sure any chefs will be in town.” 

With over 25 participating restaurants, including Mansurs on the Boulevard, French Market Bistro, Eliza Restaurant & Bar, Tacos del Cartel and L’Auberge’s new Emeril’s Chop House, attendees can expect everything from seafood paella to duck dishes and other unique creations. 

More than just a tasting event, Fête Rouge gives some of Baton Rouge’s most notable chefs a chance to compete. Dishes are judged in categories including dessert, meat, seafood and Louisiana flavor, with category winners advancing for the title of Best of Show.

For participating chefs, the competition has become a source of serious bragging rights. 

“They want to win best dish of the night,” Gray says, “it’s a big honor.” 

Last year’s winner was Ruffino’s with a Blue Crab Gnocchi by chef Patrick Trahan. Gray says the award is personal to participating chefs and restaurants because the event and its cause are important to them.

The event also allows for chefs to experiment. With many dishes prepared specifically for Fête Rouge, attendees may get a first taste of creations that could eventually make their way onto local menus.

This year, ingredients and techniques like figs, coffee-rubbed dishes, cedar smoking and Chilean butter are expected to make an appearance. 

While the food is served, more than 200 wines will also be available to taste. Wines are judged across 15 categories, and category winners advance to compete for the title of Best Wine. 

The event’s popular wine pull will be doubled this year. Called the Founders Wine Pull, the experience is organized by the founding members of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, restaurant veterans from Stab’s Prime Steak & Seafood, Mansurs on the Boulevard, Supper Club and French Market Bistro. Those founders are contributing selections from their wine collections, allowing attendees to take home unique bottles.

Additional entertainment includes watercolor artist Holly Sanye Browning, who will create small portraits of attendees, along with a DJ and Champagne sponsored by Duckhorn.

Behind all the celebration and competition is what Gray calls the event’s “epic cause.” 

The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society supports organizations and programs focused on childhood nutrition and food security. Partners include the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Red Stick Farmers Market’s Sprouts program, and educational garden programming at Knock Knock Children’s Museum. 

The organization also supports the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s ProStart, which gives high school students experience in culinary arts, hospitality, restaurant management and business skills while allowing them to earn college credit. 

Growing attendance at events has allowed BRES to increase its contributions to these programs. What Gray described as once having a “cult following” now attracts restaurant regulars, dedicated foodies and people interested in trying new dishes and wines. 

For her, the event is also a way to celebrate the restaurants that continually support causes throughout Baton Rouge. 

“Our restaurants are very giving, so we’re able to do something really special and big,” she says. 

Tickets are available through the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, though they are expected to sell out. Tickets will not be available the day of the event and may no longer be available before then.