photo via Boudin and Beer

Boudin sausage has been a Cajun delicacy for centuries.  Add beer and you’ve got the essential Acadiana feast.  On Friday, Nov. 2, renowned chef Emeril Lagasse brings you both when he hosts the second annual Boudin and Beer Festival, benefitting the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, which raises millions of dollars for New Orleans children’s charities.

Some of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation endeavors include opening a Culinary Arts Studio at New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and creating a hospitality program for at-risk youth at Café Reconcile.  The foundation has also donated 860,000 to 105 summer camps.   

“Emeril was hosting a radio show in New Orleans with Mario Batali. They started talking about the different ways to do Boudin [which later] grew into the festival,” says Executive Director of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kristen Shannon. 

Last year, dozens of chefs fired up their ovens and added their own flare to the traditional pork and rice filled boudin.  Aaron Burgau of Patois, for instance, made alligator boudin with homemade crackers and mustard.  Famed chef Susan Spicer of Bayona fame, on the other hand, made shrimp and smoked scallop boudin with smothered greens and crab boil aioli.  These are only two out of the many recipes featured at last year’s event. 

“[This year dishes range from] sweet potato boudin to a seafood boudin to boudin being featured within something else.  It runs the gamut,” says Shannon.  “There will be other sausages too.”   

This year Emeril and his co-chairs, Mario Batali and Donald Link are expanding from the 1,500 attendees last year to 3,000 attendees.  Fifty nationally renowned chefs will gather at the Foundry (333 St. Joseph St.) from 7-11 pm with their aprons on to cook artisan sausages.  

“It’s an indoor and outdoor [event], with a parking lot, [and] a stage outside with entertainment,” says Shannon.  

Some of the featured chefs this year include Michelle McRaney of Mr. B’s Bistro, Allison Vines Rushing and Slade Rushing of MiLa, Michael Sichel of Galatoire’s and Emeril himself.     

Along with a long list of local beers, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Au Bon Climat Wines by Jim Clendenen and specialty cocktails by the Republic National Distributing Company will be available to quench your thirst.  

“[The specialty cocktails] are varied. There’s a Stoli cocktail [and] Sammy Hagar is featuring a rum drink,” says Shannon.    

Every festival requires great music and the Boudin fest is no different.  Feufollet, Red Stick Ramblers and Drake White will all be taking the stage throughout the night, providing the musical entertainment.

“Garden & Gun magazine is hosting a media tent and a peoples choice voting booth,” says Shannon.  

Don’t forget to look both ways before you break out some extraordinary moves with the 610 Stompers.  Light one up at the Nat Sherman Cigar Tasting Station.  Check out the Southern Foodways Alliance Boudin exhibit.  If that’s not enough play “99 Bottles” and other games.       

Tickets start at $85, and can be purchased at the door.