Passion for purpose
The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society brings together the finest culinary minds in the capital area to celebrate food, wine, and community. We believe great meals and great causes belong together.
Culinary excellence in service of children
The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society celebrates food as a force for good—nourishing children, honoring hospitality leaders, cultivating future culinary talent, and elevating Baton Rouge’s vibrant food culture.
Through unforgettable culinary experiences, we bring people together to nourish both community and culture. The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society uses the power of food to nourish children, celebrate culture, honor leaders, and build futures—bringing our community together one meaningful experience at a time.
Built by the best in the business
BRES is a 501(c)3 nonprofit presented by the finest culinary professionals in the capital area. Chefs, restaurateurs, food suppliers, and wine purveyors unite around a single purpose: making Baton Rouge children healthy one Fête at a time.
To Our Wonderful Sponsors
The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society extends our deepest gratitude to our generous sponsors, whose unwavering support makes events like Fête Rouge and the "Grace Mama Marino" Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner possible. We truly couldn't achieve our mission of advancing childhood nutrition, health initiatives, culinary education, and scholarships without you.
For more information about each of our sponsors, click on their logos below.
Leadership
Sarah Lomax Gray
Executive Director
Officers
Board of Directors
Our Founders
These are the voices and hands that built something real.
How We Got Here and Where We're Going
In 2007, what began as an idea to honor hospitality icon Grace “Mama” Marino, showcase local restaurant culinary talent and nourish children in our community has grown into a vibrant epicurean movement.
2007
Seven Founders from the hospitality industry had a meeting over a few good bottles of red wine and decided to move forward with the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society.
First Event - The Tasting, Marriot Hotel August 23, Camelot Club
The First Awards Dinner honored Mama Marino, September 28, Holiday Inn Select
2009
Award Dinner Honored Frank Bologna, August 27, Sheraton Atrium
Last Days of Linen Wine and Food Gala, August 28
Cork Poppin’ Cajun Rockin’ Wine and Food Gala, August 29
Charities: Smart Bodies, 4-H Foundation, Scholarship
2008
2nd Tasting, Marriot Hotel August 28
Award Dinner honored TJ Moran, September 25, Holiday Inn Select
Charities: Smart Bodies, 4-H, Pro-start
2010
Charities: Smart Bodies, 4-H, Prostart and Epicurean Scholarship Funding
2011
Fete Rouge Kick-off Event at the Home of Dr. Tom & Paula, April 10
Fete Rouge Awards Dinner honored Chef John Folse, Crown Plaza
Charities: JDRF, Smart Bodies, 4-H, Prostart, Culinary Institute and LSU Ag Center Scholarship
2012
Awards Dinner honored Tullio Saffiotti, Crown Plaza
Fete Rouge, August 24
2013
Crawfete, April
The Epicurean’s Fete Rouge Golf Classic, March 25
Fete Rouge Award Dinner honored Vince Ferachi, Crown Plaza, August 21
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge, August 22
2014
Crawfete, Mockler Beverage, April 3
Fete Rouge honored J.J. Campbell, L’Auberge, August 27
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge, August 28
2015
Crawfete, Mockler Beverage, April
Fete Rouge Dinner honored Robert Yarborough, L’Auberge, August 27
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge, August 28
2016
Crawfete, Mockler Beverage, April 28
Fete Rouge Dinner honored Holly Clegg, L’Auberge, August 27
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge, August 28
2017
Crawfete, Mockler Beverage, April 20
Fete Rouge Dinner honored Tommy Simmons, L’Auberge, August 24
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge, August 25
2018
Fete Rouge Dinner honored Ben Kleinpeter, The Renaissance Hotel, July 15
Fete Rouge Tasting, The Renaissance Hotel, August 17
2019
Crawfete (Moved to Perkins Rowe) February 24
Fete Rouge Dinner honored Charlie Valluzzo, The Renaissance Hotel, July 11
Fete Rouge Tasting, L’Auberge Casino BR, August 23
2020
Crawfete – Perkins Rowe, Spring
Covid Intermission of Events
2021
Crawfete
Award Dinner honored
Fete Rouge
2022
Crawfete
Award Dinner honored
Fete Rouge
2023
Crawfete
Award Dinner honored
Fete Rouge
2024
Spring Fete
Award Dinner honored
Fete Rouge
Fete Du Vin, Houmas House
2025
Crawfete, Perkins Rowe, March 22
Award Dinner honored Bob Kirchoff, June 22
Fete Rouge, August
2026
Award Dinner honored Ruffin Rodrigue
June 23
Fete Rouge, August 27
Charaties & Organizations We Support
At the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, we proudly support vital initiatives in childhood nutrition, health programs, culinary education, and scholarships that nourish and empower the next generation in our Capital Area community.
Support the cause
Your contribution ensures more children have access to nutrition and education.