Baton Rouge’s Spring Culinary Events

Daylight savings time has finally arrived. The sun is out longer, the weather is warmer, and calendars are filling up for many different reasons. Whether it’s baseball at the Box, Saturday mornings on a soccer field or afternoon crawfish boils, this time of the year always buzzes with activity. The same is true for the culinary scene in the Red Stick; highlighted by two of its premier events, Gourmet in the Garden, and Small Town Chefs. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Gourmet in the Garden 2019

On April11th the best local chefs and mixologists assemble on the grounds of the LSUAgCenter’s Botanical Gardens. This evening features the best food and drinks that Baton Rouge restaurants have to offer as they compete for the People’s Choice and Juried Awards. You are invited to stroll through the beautiful scenery of the Rose and Orangerie Gardens as you enjoy the freshly prepared fare created from local products. All proceeds from this event benefit educational programs at theBotanical Gardens and the Louisiana Culinary Institute Foundation.

Small Town Chefs 2019

Celebrating great local chefs and the wonderful things they are creating and doing throughout south Louisiana is what Small Town Chefs is all about. For the past five years, Louisiana Culinary Institute and Country Roads Magazine have committed to identifying the very best and most creative culinary professionals, with one caveat, that they operate in a town with a population of 25,000 or less. This challenge leads to new destinations and uncovers incredible restaurants. The culmination of this event is the Small Town Chefs Dinner held on June 27th at LouisianaCulinary Institute. The 2019 winners of the Small Town Chef Awards will prepare a five-course meal, with all proceeds benefiting the Louisiana Culinary Institute Foundation. Tickets will be available on May 1st.

So, mark your calendars this spring for two great events. From beautiful scenery and incredible food to memorable stories and more incredible food, Gourmet and Garden and Small TownChefs are two events you don’t want to miss.