Food is a way of life in Louisiana, and it is no different in Natchitoches. As Fall arrives in town, so does several food (and drink) related events.
1) Northwestern State University's culinary arts and hospitality management and tourism students are bringing back Columns Cafe. The Columns Café is a hands-on outreach of the hospitality management and tourism program that debuted in 2018 that serves lunches and dinners on select dates. The Café is located in Room 225 of the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. Guests must purchase tickets in advance and seating is directed so that all seats are filled. The Columns Café is student-run with seasonal, locally sourced meals prepared in the culinary arts lab and served by students. The Café provides students with experiential learning in the logistics and teamwork required to plan, prepare and serve a formal dinner. All proceeds go towards support of HMT students and academic programming. Dates for Columns Cafe are Sept. 30, Nov. 11 and Nov. 18. Dinners begin at 6 p.m. To learn more or reserve your seat for the next dinner, call 318-357-5072.
2) Cane River Kitchenware, located on Front Street in downtown Natchitoches, offers weekly sampling in their kitchen on Saturday mornings. But they also offer cooking classes. On Monday, Sept. 27, from 6-8 p.m. Chef Luther Hunter from Cane River Commissary will be instructing the class on making Spinach Artichoke Wontons with Firecracker Sauce, Mini Meat Pies, Salad with Fruits and Bourbon Balsamic, Voodoo Shrimp with Smashed Red Potatoes and Corn, and Fried Apple Pie topped with Ice Cream and Bourbon Caramel Sauce.
And on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 6-8 p.m., Chef Danie Habig will be preparing Everything Pig Pastries, Pumpkin Fritters, Olive and Lemon Fish served with Fried Pasta, Roasted Eggplants with Steak, and finish the meal with Caramel and Pistachio covered Pears.
Make your class reservations by calling 318-238-3600. Each Cooking Class is $50 per person and beer, wine, soda, water, and coffee are complimentary.
3) Natchitoches Hope for Paws is hosting their 8th Annual Farm to Table Dinner. A Farm to Table Dinner is truly a special event. It promotes the overall feeling of community pride, an old-fashioned flare with a modern twist. This special autumn fundraising event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Mariner’s Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. Maison Louisiane Catering will be showcasing local and regional products in a skillfully prepared four-course dinner presented with wine pairings. There will also be beer pairings from Cane River Brewing Co. To purchase your tickets to the dinner or get more information, email natchitocheshopeforpaws@yahoo.com.
4) TappedTober, Natchitoches' craft beer and wine festival, is back on Saturday, Oct. 9! This annual event is known for its family environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of football action on the gigantic riverfront screen! General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $100. Tickets available on Eventbrite.com.
5) Natchitoches' Fall Farmers Market returns to the downtown riverbank Saturday, Oct. 9 and will runt through Saturday, Nov. 13. The Farmers Market features fresh fruits, vegetables, Kids Club, activities, sampling, and more!
Check out our calendar of events for more great events and festivals happening in Natchitoches!