Baton Rouge’s Epicurean Surprise: Fête Rouge

I could say that I wear many hats, but the truth is I have one hat; I just wear it all over the place. I wear it to the fire department. I wear it to the ballpark. I wear it when I travel and when I write. I don’t buy into that “I wear many hats” philosophy. Let’s just say I’m more of an allhat (thanks, Dell). I’m just me and I have a variety of interests, one of which is being a southern mama exploring her southern city.

Sometimes as a travel writer, I forget to check out the happenings and events where I live. Most evenings and weekends when I’m not at work, I just sit around relaxing, typing on my laptop in my outdoor office. I’ll sip on a good coffee or taste a new wine, reminiscing of all the places I’ve been fortunate to experience.

One thing I’ve recently discovered about my hometown city of Baton Rouge, LA is that we’ve got spectacular culinary offerings and fabulouso wine events. Did you know that there’s such a thing as The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society? Who knew! They hold an annual event called Fête Rouge and as someone who enjoys the culinary side of travel (yes, I like to eat) I was impressed by the yummy selections in my local area.

Visit Baton Rouge hosted me and a date for the opening night shindig, which was a six course meal with wine pairings. The first person who came to mind that enjoys eating a good meal just as much as I do is my dad, who ended up being my date for the night. The event happened to occur right around the time of my adoption birthday, and each year at that time my dad and I get together to celebrate the day I officially became his daughter. Fete Rouge was the perfect setting to celebrate.

Here’s the rundown of the fine vittles that were served. Pics were taken with my Crackberry and could’ve been better, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a pro photographer. Let me be frank (or Shirley), the food was smelling way too good to wait to get that “perfect shot” with my big Canon.

This was a six course meal, with the first course consisting of various canapes served while attendees arrived. I sipped Champagne with some friends (how’s this for southern – my husband’s cousin’s girlfriend and her friend).

Fête Rouge is an annual event held by the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. Tickets can be purchased for individual events, such as wine tastings only, or as a package, which includes all events. Special thanks to VisitBatonRouge.com for the invitation to be a part of such a wonderful event.