Second edition of “Candela e Vino” returns to Baton Rouge next month with a new twist

The Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) Greater Baton Rouge Chapter will bring to the Capitol City the second annual “Candela e Vino,” Thursday, October 4, 2018 at The Loft at Cecelia, 421 N. 3rd Street, and The Trademark, 326 3rd Street, in Baton Rouge from 6:30-9 p.m.
 
Last year, the inaugural Candela e Vino featured an elegant sit-down affair at White Oak Plantation, but this year, a new twist on the event will feature progressive wine and food pairings from local LRA member restaurants at two of downtown Baton Rouge’s finest event venues. Guests will begin the evening with wine, hors d’oeuvres and music from vocalist Barbarella Blue at The Loft at Cecelia at 6:30 p.m., and at 7:45 p.m. partygoers will transition to The Trademark to complete the night with a silent auction, more delicious food and wine and live music from the multi-genre group, The Michael Foster Project.  
 
“We are excited to bring this new version of Candela e Vino to Baton Rouge,” said LRA Greater Baton Rouge Chapter President Kerrie Kikendall. “We will present a unique and memorable evening for attendees, where they can experience the ambiance of Baton Rouge’s historic downtown, while sampling fine wines and delicious food from the area restaurants who are preparing to showcase bold flavors. With great music from Barbarella Blue and The Michael Foster Project and a chance to purchase exclusive items, it should be a night to remember!”
 
Partygoers should bring their appetites, as they will be able to try tastes from establishments such as Blend, Cecelia Creole Bistro, The Gregory, Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar, The Gilded Artichoke, City Pork, Mestizo, Beausoleil Restaurant & Bar, L’Auberge Casino & Hotel, Ambrosia Bakery and more!
 
Guests may partake in a silent auction, where they will be bidding against others for special prizes, such as suite tickets to the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans games, suite tickets to Keith Urban and Ed Sheeran concerts, a 25 person crawfish boil at Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar, a “Date Night for a Year” package and more!
 
A portion of the proceeds from Candela e Vino will benefit the LRA Education Foundation (LRAEF). The LRAEF, in turn, will use monies raised to further promote the restaurant industry as a career choice through its restaurant management and culinary arts program, ProStart, offered at 60 high schools statewide, including 19 in the Greater Baton Rouge area. It will also enhance the restaurant community through expanded educational and career opportunities, including culinary and hospitality scholarships.
 
Candela e Vino is open to the public. Tickets are $100 per person. To purchase, visit www.LRA.org (Upcoming Events).
 
For more information, contact LRA Chapter Member Services Coordinator Dana Gresham at dgresham@lra.org or (225) 240-7189.