Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival Announces Pioneer Award Recipient and Cooking Contest

BATON ROUGE, La. - March 22, 2022 - PRLog -- The 5th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is pleased to announce this years' Pioneer Award Recipient is Deborah Dickerson of D's "Southern Soul" Café in Plaquemine, Louisiana. The award was established to honor outstanding contributions to the soul food industry. Miss D, as she's called, founded the café in 2015. In addition to serving great food, it also provides a safe haven for youth by providing free meals and tutoring. Some of her most requested dishes are Chitterlings, Smothered Liver and the only place you can get Peppergrass in the world.

The Cooking Contest is also now open to entrants. The five categories are Meats, Vegetable and Side Dishes, Breads and Desserts, Appetizers and Soups, Beverages and Ices. Criteria is Presentation, Taste, and the Story or History behind each entry. Ten contestants in each category will be pre-selected by the judging committee. Entry fees are $20.00. $30.00 for walk-ups, if slots are available. Contestants need to bring enough food for six people the day of their category judging. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded in each category.

The talent lineup features soul, blues, gospel, R&B and spoken word artists. Performers to date include Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor and the Listening Room All-Stars featuring singer/songwriter Larry "LZ" Dillon, spoken word artist 'Nspire and the Inspiration band, comedian Eddie "Cool" Deemer, R&B singer Xavie Shorts and blues rocker Owen Scott. Returning gospel acts include The PEW (Prophetic Encounter Worshipers), House of God Ministries, Belwin J. Bruins and Pastor Leon Hitchens. Also joining the lineup are blues greats SmokeHouse Porter and Miss Mamie, along with poet Sir AP, songstress' April Nicole and Katrina, Lisa Harris' Tina Turner Tribute show and Kasey Ball Presents Soul Loop. Stage times and more acts will be announced closer to the date. For more information on D's "Southern Soul" Café, the cooking contest and VIP tickets please visit http://www.brsoulfoodfest.com or call 225-802-9681.

The 5th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is being held Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15 from 11:00am to 8:00pm at River Front Plaza, 300 River Road South, in downtown Baton Rouge. The festival is family friendly, free to the public and also features a Vendors Village. VIP tickets, available on the website, include food, beverages, photo ops and additional perks.