"Grace Mama Marino"
Lifetime Achievement award Dinner
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 6pm - 10pm
L’Auberge Casino & Resort – Grand Ballroom
Join us for the 19th Annual Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award honoree has been announced as Ruffin Rodrigue of Ruffino’s Restaurants. The evening will feature a A 6-course dinner prepared by local chefs, wine pairings, and a live auction to be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel Baton Rouge to celebrate Ruffin’s achievements.
The evening will feature an exceptional multi-course dinner prepared by celebrated local chefs, with each course expertly paired with fine wines.Guests will also enjoy a live auction featuring exclusive culinary experiences and other high-value items.
Tickets will go on sale in Spring 2026.
Tables of 10 - $2,500
Individual Tickets - $250
Limited seating
For more information, or to purchase tables, tickets, or sponsorships, please contact Sarah Lomax Gray, Executive Director, at sarah@epicbr.org
All proceeds benefit the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society’s mission to enrich the culinary culture of the Capital Area while raising funds for childhood nutrition and health initiatives, educational programs, and scholarships.
Presented by Baton Rouge's finest
A History of the Dinner
The Lifetime Achievement Award is named for Grace “Mama” Marino, a beloved figure in Baton Rouge’s culinary history. A self-taught cook who immigrated with her young family in 1958 from Sicily and founder of Gino’s restaurant, Grace was widely known for her warmth, mentorship, and dedication to hospitality. She was the first recipient of the award that now bears her name, and her legacy lives on through each year’s honoree.
Past Honorees
The Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership, hospitality, and philanthropy in the Capital Region. Ruffin joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including:
1st
2007
Grace "Mama" Marino* – Gino’s Restaurant
2nd
2008
T.J. Moran* – T.J. Ribs, Ruth’s Chris Steak House franchisee
3rd
2009
Frank Bologna* – Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company
4th
2010
Charles Brandt* – Chalet Brandt Restaurant
5th
2011
John Folse – Chef John Folse & Company, White Oak Estate
6th
2012
Tullio Saffiotti* – Tullio’s Fine Wines & Spirits
7th
2013
Vince Ferachi* – Hi Nabor Supermarkets
8th
2014
J.H. “Jay” Campbell, Jr. – Associated Grocers, Inc.
9th
2015
Bobby Yarborough – Manda Fine Sausage
10th
2016
Holly Clegg* – Trim & Terrific Cookbooks, Healthy Cooking Advocate
11th
2017
Tommy Simmons – The Advocate (Food Editor, Journalist)
12th
2018
Benjamin “Ben” Kleinpeter* – Kleinpeter Farms Dairy
13th
2019
Charlie Valluzzo – McDonald’s Franchisee, Valluzzo Companies
2020
COVID-19 Intermission – No Award Presented
14th
2021
The Pizzolato Family – Louisiana Fish Fry Products
15th
2022
Gino Marino – Gino’s Restaurant
16th
2023
The Saurage Family – Community Coffee Company
17th
2024
Luci & Wayne Stabiler – Wayne Stabiler Co., Stabiler Foundation
18th
2025
Bob Kirchoff – Superior Restaurant Group
* Deceased
Moments that matter
See the Fêtes, the faces, and the fun from the "Grace Mama Mirino" Lifetime Achievement Dinners of the past.
Check Back Soon to Secure your Tickets
For more information, or to purchase tables, tickets, or sponsorships, please contact Sarah Lomax Gray, Executive Director, at info@bresbrla.org.
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