Lake Charles' Rouge et Blanc Food & Wine Festival: A Premier Culinary Event

Last year marked my first attendance at Rouge et Blanc, the annual food and wine fundraiser benefiting McNeese State University’s Banners Series. Tickets for this highly anticipated event sell out faster than popular concerts.

The festival continues to expand annually, as noted by Patricia Prudhomme, Director of Banners. “We increased to 1,750 tickets last year due to the larger venue on the McNeese campus,” she shared. Previously, it was held downtown in Lake Charles.

The impressive turnout was immediately apparent, with 29 local restaurants and caterers alongside 26 wineries ready to delight guests.

Jeremy Davis, Clay Johnson, and the Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra provided smooth, festive entertainment.

Standout dishes included tender beef filet from Harlequin Steaks and Seafood, lamb lollipops from Ember Grille and Wine Bar, goat cheese-stuffed meatballs from 121 Artisan Bistro, and pork carnita tacos from Izzo’s Illegal Burrito. Toga Grill impressed with falafel, while SweetChic Cupcakes offered delectable mini cupcakes in flavors like red velvet, peanut butter fudge, and pumpkin spice latte.

I aimed to sample offerings from each vendor but found myself delightfully full. Among those I tried, the grilled shrimp from Otis and Henry’s at the Isle of Capri stood out as the favorite.

As a wine enthusiast, the Rosatello Sparkling Rosé by Constellation Wines was a highlight.

Not a wine? Try Swamp Pop, available in five flavors: Noble Cane Cola, Jean LaFitte Ginger Ale, Praline Cream Soda, Satsuma Fizz, and Ponchatoula Pop Rouge (strawberry). Find it locally at Crave Gourmet Baskets and Gifts.

Don’t miss this premier event on Saturday, Oct. 17. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 7. Enjoy wine dinners and seminars in the preceding week. Visit https://www.rougeetblanc.us/ for details.

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