Taste of Louisiana

LSU’s Greater Birmingham Alumni Chapter is showing its support for the Sid Strong Foundation this month. 

Through its second annual A Taste of Louisiana event at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, the alumni chapter will raise money for the foundation, which raises funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. It was created in honor of Mountain Brook resident Sid Ortiz, who died in 2015 after his battle with cancer. 

Ortiz was also a well-known LSU fan whose story inspired others to decorate their homes with purple and yellow bows after his diagnosis.

Thanks to new sponsors and community support, they are already anticipating a larger turnout than last year’s event, said event media contact Debbie Greengard.

“I think the connection with the Sid Strong Foundation and pediatric cancer, that is getting a lot of people excited about being a part of it,” Greengard said.

Greengard also said she believes moving to the Hoover Met may attract more people because it is a covered space and a good location. 

A Taste of Louisiana is a food festival and cook-off that includes Cajun foods such as jambalaya, etouffee, red beans and rice, gumbo and other traditional dishes; zydeco music from the Birmingham Cajun Zydeco Association and auction items. 

“When you mention Louisiana, Cajun food, a lot of people’s ears perk up,” Greengard said.

Local chefs are also welcome to participate in the cook-off, although spots are limited to 20 teams. Anyone wanting to participate can contact Kenny Haynes at kdhaynes@haynes-haynes.com.

Proceeds will go toward the Sid Strong Foundation and LSU scholarships. 

Tickets for the event, which is Oct. 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., are $15, and kids ages 12 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance until Oct. 26 through lsubirmingham.org, or by mailing a check and list of attendee names to Kenny Haynes, 1600 Woodmere Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226. Tickets can also be purchased at Cajun Steamer Restaurants in Hoover and Trussville.