Baton Rouge Epicurean Society

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Baton Rouge Epicurean Society

Culinary for a Cause. The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society would like to introduce itself to the Baton Rouge community.
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BRES has been formed by local food, beverage and hospitality professionals and is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

06/17/2026

Before her name was on an award, Mama Marino was helping build Baton Rouge's culinary community.

The original Baton Rouge Epicurean Society board often gathered at Gino's for wine tastings and meetings, where Mama welcomed everyone like family. She believed great food brought people together, and she spent decades supporting chefs, restaurateurs, employees, and hospitality professionals across our city.
Her legacy is bigger than a restaurant. It's the culture of hospitality, mentorship, and community she helped create.

That's why the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society's highest honor proudly carries her name. Before her name was on an award, Mama Marino was helping build Baton Rouge's culinary community.

The original Baton Rouge Epicurean Society board often gathered at Gino's for wine tastings and meetings, where Mama welcomed everyone like family. She believed great food brought people together, and she spent decades supporting chefs, restaurateurs, employees, and hospitality professionals across our city.

Her legacy is bigger than a restaurant. It's the culture of hospitality, mentorship, and community she helped create.

That's why the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society's highest honor proudly carries her name.

06/15/2026

What exactly is the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society?
We're a nonprofit organization made up of chefs, restaurateurs, food suppliers, wine professionals, and community leaders who believe food can be a powerful force for good.

Through events like Fête Rouge and the Grace "Mama" Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner, we raise funds that support childhood nutrition initiatives, culinary education, scholarships, and programs that help shape the future of hospitality in our community.

When you attend an event, become a sponsor, or support our mission, you're doing more than enjoying a great meal. You're investing in Baton Rouge's children, future culinary talent, and the people who make our food culture so special.

Great food brings people together. Great causes make that gathering matter.

06/11/2026

Looking for a way to make a difference in Baton Rouge? Our events are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to support childhood nutrition and culinary education in our community.
While we're excited to celebrate Ruffin Rodrigue at the Grace "Mama" Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner, we're already looking ahead to Fête Rouge on August 27. One night. Incredible food. Exceptional wine. A great cause.

Keep your eyes on Epic BR for ticket announcements and ways to get involved.

06/08/2026

The countdown is on for the Grace "Mama" Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner honoring Ruffin Rodrigue!

As a reminder, this is a black tie affair, so dust off your tuxedos, break out your gowns, and get ready for an evening worthy of the occasion. Together, we'll celebrate a man whose impact on our community, hospitality industry, and countless lives has left a lasting legacy.

We look forward to honoring Ruffin, celebrating excellence, and sharing an unforgettable evening with all of you on June 23. Dress to impress. Celebrate with purpose. Honor a legend.

06/05/2026

Meet Epicurean Society Board Member Jim Urdiales.
A third generation restaurateur, Jim was raised in his family's restaurant, Carlos Mexican Food, where his passion for hospitality began long before opening his own doors. After graduating from LSU with a degree in Marketing and spending two years in hospitality at the Riverside Hilton in New Orleans, he returned home to create what would become one of Baton Rouge's most beloved restaurants.

This year, Jim celebrated 27 years of Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine. The name "Mestizo" translates to "of mixed blood, two cultures," a reflection of his Mexican and Cajun French heritage. Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Jim built Mestizo as a place where both sides of his culture could come together on the plate, creating a restaurant that has become a true culinary destination for our city.

Beyond the restaurant, Jim has spent decades serving Baton Rouge through board leadership, community involvement, and countless fundraisers. He has attended Epicurean Society events since the beginning and joined the organization more than a decade ago. Drawn to its mission and the friendships built along the way, he remains a passionate supporter of the work we do.
When he's not at the restaurant, you'll likely find him enjoying a great bottle of wine, tending to his plants, spending time with his dogs, or finding peace in the garden.

We're proud to spotlight Jim and grateful for the passion, leadership, and hospitality he continues to bring to our community.

06/03/2026

We are excited to announce that all tables for the Grace "Mama" Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner honoring Ruffin Rodrigue have officially sold out!

Thank you to everyone who secured a table and continues to support the mission of the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society. We look forward to gathering on June 23rd to celebrate a true champion of our culinary community while raising funds to support hospitality education and the future of our industry.

We can't wait to share an incredible evening of food, fellowship, and recognition with all of you.

06/02/2026

Meet BRES Board Member, Brad Watts.

As the owner of Cecelia Creole Bistro and The River Room, Brad has helped shape downtown Baton Rouge’s hospitality scene through elevated dining experiences, thoughtful concepts, and a deep appreciation for Louisiana culture and cuisine.

Since opening Cecelia Creole Bistro in 2018, Brad has built one of Baton Rouge’s most recognized upscale Creole restaurants, while The River Room has become known for its refined cocktail program and intimate atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
Beyond his restaurants, Brad also serves as President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Baton Rouge Chapter and as a Director on the State Board of Directors, continuing to advocate for and support the hospitality industry across Louisiana.

When asked why he is involved with the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Brad put it simply:
“I am involved for the people. I truly love being around the very best people in our industry.” We are proud to have leaders like Brad helping further our mission of culinary excellence in service of children.

05/31/2026

At the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, we believe food has always been about more than what’s on the plate ❤️ It’s about community. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about using culinary excellence to create meaningful impact far beyond the table.

Through chefs, hospitality professionals, local businesses, and community leaders, we’re proud to support initiatives that give back, create opportunity, and help strengthen our community through the power of food. Because when passionate people come together for a cause, incredible things can happen 🍽️

05/28/2026

Our Board had the opportunity to learn how to make avocado crema while hearing more about the growing “Culinary in Medicine” movement 🥑

The idea is simple but powerful: food can play a major role in overall health, healing, and quality of life. Across the country, medical schools and healthcare programs are beginning to teach future doctors and healthcare professionals how nutrition and cooking can directly support patient care.

At the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, we believe food has always been about more than what’s on the plate. It brings people together, creates community, supports wellness, and has the power to make a real impact in people’s lives.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country 🇺🇸 As we gather around tables with family, friends, and community this weekend, we are reminded how meaningful those moments truly are because of the freedoms protected by so many before us.

From all of us at the Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, thank you to those who served, sacrificed, and continue to inspire us through their courage and dedication.

Address

Baton Rouge, LA
70898

Website

http://www.epicbr.org/, http://www.epicbr.org/crawfete

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