The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society announced its 2026 Grace “Mama” Marino Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree at noon Nov. 19, at Gino's Italian Restaurant. This year, the award posthumously honors Ruffin Rodrigue.

The Baton Rouge Epicurean Society gives the Grace "Mama" Marino Award to a highly regarded figure in city, who exemplifies outstanding leadership, hospitality and philanthropy, and is known for their long-standing commitment to the city, the local community and the city's culinary excellence.

Rodrigue, the late owner of Ruffino’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, was known for his passion for hospitality, larger-than-life personality, and deep love for Baton Rouge and LSU. A former LSU football player turned restaurateur, Rodrigue built Ruffino’s into one of Louisiana’s m

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