Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

Pig Out at Boudin, Bourbon, and Beer

The culture and vibrancy of New Orleans is unparalleled, and offers exciting opportunities for travelers! Enjoy TPC Louisiana for amazing golf opportunities for those who just want to tee it up on a pro caliber course, or enjoy a shopaholic’s dream at Canal Place. And, of course, it’s not New Orleans without copious amounts of food. Check out one of the many restaurants by Emeril Lagasse such as Meril, or grab a bite to eat at Liberty’s Kitchen, which supports a number of great causes. No matter what you might see or do in New Orleans, the city offers the best when it comes to southern entertainment!

 

And when it comes to food, you’re bound to have a good time at Boudin, Bourbon, & Beer, an annual festival in New Orleans started by Emeril Lagasse. Taking place on November 9th, this is one festival that you don’t want to miss. Enjoy the best takes on Boudin and a wonderful drink, all from local businesses and celebrity chefs! ResortsandLodges.com had a chance to sit down with Brian Kish, the President of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, for more information about this wonderful festival.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

BK: 2018 marks Boudin, Bourbon & Beer’s eighth-annual year. It is the first part of Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s two-night signature fundraising weekend and is held annually the night prior to nationally recognized charity wine auction and gala dinner, Carnivale du Vin.

 

RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?

BK: Last year, 5,000 locals and visitors from across the country attended the sold-out boudin bash.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract?

BK: Boudin, Bourbon & Beer is perfect for everyone 21+ with an appetite for Southern cuisine and a love of live entertainment. The all-inclusive tickets cover the price of all food and beverages.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

BK: The event has become one of the South’s premier fall culinary festivals. While the entertainment lineup will keep the music going throughout the night, more than 70 chefs will be serving up their signature spins on the famous Cajun sausage.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?

BK: In addition to all food and drinks, an all-star musical lineup of Railroad Earth, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lillie Mae and Honey Island Swamp Band will take the stage throughout the night. Guests will enjoy open bars stocked with a variety of local craft beers from Abita Beer and bourbon cocktails from Buffalo Trace, along with premium spirits, fine wines and more provided by Au Bon Climat, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and FIJI Water. The night showcases a cigar-tasting hosted by Nat Sherman, as well as a silent auction curated by featured chefs.

 

RAL: Any special guest appearances?

BK: Chef Emeril Lagasse helms the Louisiana-inspired celebration along with co-chairs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and culinary TV personality Guy Fieri for a night of food, music and philanthropy.

 

RAL: What will the dining be like?

BK: Touting the biggest chef lineup yet, Boudin, Bourbon & Beer features over 70 of the nation’s best chefs. Acclaimed chefs include Sarah Grueneberg of Chicago, Carey Bringle of Nashville and Kevin Fink of Austin, along with New Orleans-based chefs Alon Shaya, Kelly Fields, Frank Brigsten, Justin Devillier, Samantha and Cody Carroll, Michael Gulotta, Tory McPhail and so much more.

 

RAL: What is the atmosphere of the festival?

BK: Set in the Big Easy’s coveted Champions Square, located just outside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, we set the mood the moment guests walk in. Signature cuisine, premium cocktails and live tunes make the night under the stars unforgettable.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

BK: There is a wealth of lodging options near Champions Square, including the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, the host of the Foundation’s charity wine auction Carnivale du Vin. Other nearby accommodations include the NOPSI Hotel and the Loews New Orleans. The French Quarter is not far away with luxury options like Royal Sonesta New Orleans and Hotel Monteleone.

 

This year, Emeril Lagasse Foundation is partnering with the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation on a sweepstakes package, including roundtrip transportation to the Big Easy for two, a two-night stay at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, two tickets to Boudin, Bourbon & Beer and complimentary lunch or dinner at Meril, Emeril’s newest restaurant in New Orleans.

 

RAL: Does this event drive business to the local economy?

BK: Yes. The event draws attendees from throughout the country to dine on the signature Cajun sausage, and visitors often plan a longer trip to the city around the special night.

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

BK: Proceeds of Boudin, Bourbon & Beer support the Emeril Lagasse Foundation which provides funding for multiple children’s charities along the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, Liberty’s Kitchen New Orleans, Edible Schoolyard Nola and the Edible Education Experience at Orlando Junior Academy.

 

The event allows the Foundation to support children’s culinary and nutrition education programs throughout the year, including its recently launched signature program, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, a national education initiative created to enrich the lives of elementary and middle school children through a fun, fresh perspective on food.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

BK: Nowhere else can you taste the dishes of so many acclaimed chefs all in one night while listening to renowned musical artists. The event is a true culinary spectacle featuring dishes from over 70 chefs and unlimited Abita craft beers, Buffalo Trace bourbon cocktails, premium fine wines and more. The event brings together the local community and guests from all throughout the country to celebrate boudin, Louisiana’s favorite artisanal sausage.

 

For more information, please check out the event website here.