More boudin please...Boudin, Bourbon & Beer takes over Champions Square Nov. 13 — Photo courtesy of Emeril Lagasse Foundation
New Orleans celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has a lot on his plate these days. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t planning to party down at Boudin, Bourbon & Beer – the music, food and suds event taking place at Champions Square by the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 13th.
No matter how busy he is, Lagasse isn’t the kind of guy to rest on his laurels. The 56-year-old celebrity chef just announced plans for a new restaurant to open in the Warehouse District in 2016.
Called Meril after his youngest daughter, the eatery will be at 424 Girod St., between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets on the ground level of a new condo development. That will make four Emeril restaurants in New Orleans, and nine in other parts of the U.S.
He also just published a new book, Essential Emeril, his most personal cookbook yet full of iconic dishes, classic cooking lessons and personal anecdotes from his life in the kitchen.
But the cause that's closest to Lagasse’s heart is his foundation, founded in 2002 by the chef and his wife Alden. To date, the foundation has raised more than $6 million for children’s charities to support culinary, nutrition and arts programs.
The weekend of November 13 and 14 is his annual fundraising grand slam, and the chef isn’t going to miss a minute of it.
Music is a big part of the event with this year’s show headlined by St. Paul and the Broken Bones, along with performances by Elle King, Sweet Crude and The Silverado Pickups.
Emeril and a few of the chefs who will be cooking up boudin at Champions Square Nov. 13 — Photo courtesy of Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Boudin, Bourbon & Beer will also showcase more than 50 chefs from around the country preparing their own style of Louisiana-inspired boudin dishes. Some of the country’s most renowned chefs, including Cory Bahr, Jeff Henderson, Justin Devillier, Kristen Essig, John Currence, Chris Shepherd, and more, will join Lagasse along with honorary co-chairs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and Mario Batali.
The $99 entrance fee for the event also includes open bars featuring a selection of craft beers, premium spirits, fine wines, as well as cigars, a silent auction and merchandise from sponsors including Abita Beer, Buffalo Trace and wines from Au Bon Climat, Justin Vineyards & Winery and Landmark Vineyards. There will also be a silent auction with culinary packages donated by participating chefs.
Boudin, Bourbon & Beer is held annually the night prior to Carnivale du Vin, Lagasse’s big ticket charity wine auction and gala dinner. Last year’s fundraising weekend raised $2.25 million for children’s charities.
In 2013, Lagasse was named the Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard Foundation for his dedicated efforts to further the culinary arts in America, as well as his philanthropic work supporting children’s educational programs through his Foundation.
All proceeds from Boudin, Bourbon & Beer benefit Emeril Lagasse Foundation. For more information, visit BoudinBourbonandBeer.com.