LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Food lovers in Southwest Louisiana will have several days of tastings, music, and chef competitions when the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival returns this week. With events designed to let visitors “really make a weekend out of it,” we spoke with Jan Gourley this morning to get the details.
Tickets are on sale now and start at $69. The events begin on Thursday and carry on through Sunday.
If you hurry, you can Save $15 on all Tickets, with promo code FINAL15.
You can purchase tickets and find more information on the events online HERE.
Louisiana’s Best Tates Awards
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Event Type: Indoor/Outdoor
Attire & Info: Cocktail attire/Business, 21 years and over
Location: L’Auberge Casino Resort at 777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601
An interactive walk-around of delicious creations from some of the state and region’s best chefs! This professionally judged event will reveal the winners of Louisiana’s Best Taste Awards. Beverage tasting stations include wine, beer, spirits, and craft cocktails, along with indoor and outdoor seating and tasting stations with live music. A fun and lively night to savor!
Fire on the Lake
Date: Friday, March 13
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Event Type: Outdoor/Rain or Shine
Attire & Info: Casual, 21 years and over
Location: Bord du Lac Park at 1111 Bord du Lac Dr. in Lake Charles, LA 70601
A showcase of the south’s most celebrated chefs, Pitmasters and grill masters with live music and wine, beer, and spirits along Lake Charles. Enjoy unlimited food and beverage tastings with a souvenir glass. A variety of culinary creations will be available, from the freshest Louisiana Seafood options to select meats, along with vegetarian options. Delicious grilled, roasted, and smoked gourmet tasting bites will be showcased, including options for all palates.
Guests get to sample dishes from award-winning chefs as they compete for the bragging rights of a Best BBQ Award.
The event will feature live music by Dani LaCour.
Grand Tasting
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: VIP 1:00 – 2:00 pm; Grand Tasting 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Event Type: Outdoor/Rain or Shine
Attire & Info: Casual, 21 years and over
Location: Bord du Lac Park at 1111 Bord du Lac Dr. in Lake Charles, LA 70601
The VIP Experience includes “Crawfish & Cocktails” sponsored by Louisiana Crawfish, which will be a “Unique Spice & Citrus Boil” with tons of veggies – Louisiana Crawfish never had it so good! Paired with some fantastic festival signature cocktails and premium pours. Louisiana Crawfish spokesperson, Chef Yvette Bonanno, and Crawfish Brand Ambassador, Chef Rosh Gurnani, will be presenting this special crawfish tasting as part of the VIP Experience only available in the VIP Tent! Exclusive SWAG and premium beverage tastings and signature cocktails – and early access to the Grand Tasting at 1:30 pm.
The Grand Tasting is the festival’s main event! A fun afternoon of culinary and beverage tastings, with live music in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Charles, along the Bord du Lac. Tickets are all-inclusive for food and beverage tastings, including a souvenir glass for unlimited beverage tastings of wine, beer, and spirits exhibitors and samplings from some of Louisiana’s best chefs.
Enjoy award-winning culinary bites, a wide variety of beverages, artisan booths, live music, cooking demonstration stage, and the People’s Choice Best Taste Awards, presented by Acadiana Profile Magazine and Louisiana Seafood!
This event will feature live music by Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie.
Jazz Brunch
Date: Sunday, March 15
Time: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Event Type: Indoor
Attire & Info: Business casual, Family-Friendly
Location: Ember Grille & Wine Bar in L’Auberge Casino Resort at 777 Ave L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601
This lively Jazz Brunch is one like no other, with an all-inclusive priced ticket featuring unlimited beverage tastings with a souvenir glass, live Jazz music, a lavish brunch with carving stations, Louisiana Seafood stations, made-to-order omelet stations, a variety of desserts, and more. A variety of the festival’s official beverage partners will participate with an impressive Bloody Mary Bar, Mimosas, sparkling wines, spirits, wine, beer, and more. A fantastic festival finale event!
Unlimited tasting samples from the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival’s official beverage partner’s tasting stations participating in the Sunday Jazz Brunch.
This event will feature live music by The Sharp 9’s.
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