Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser recently selected 12 chefs from Louisiana to compete in the 2024 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off.
“In Louisiana, good food is just part of what connects us to our diverse heritage and seafood is a big part of that in all corners of the state. From recipes passed down through generations to the culinary creations of our state’s chefs, seafood has created a culinary identity for Louisiana unlike any other state,” said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. “This is a chance for us to celebrate the great contribution chefs around Louisiana and our hard-working seafood industry make to the state that truly Feed Your Soul.”
Among the competitors is Natchitoches’ own Ben Fidelak from Mariner’s.
Others include:
- Katy Aker, JAC’s Craft Smokehouse; West Monroe, LA
- Muggsy Beals, Desi Vega’s Steakhouse; New Orleans, LA
- Mac Casteel, Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant; Monroe, LA
- Brent Daigle, Grady V’s; Thibodaux, LA
- Kaala Lawla, Boswell’s Jamaican Grill; New Orleans, LA
- Brandon Naquin, Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant; Thibodaux, LA
- Trenton Oliphant, The Depeaux; Independence, LA
- Chase Raley; Parish Restaurant & Bar; Monroe, LA
- Tony Rodrigue, Acme Oyster House; New Orleans, LA
- Frederic Terluin, Rouj Creole; Baton Rouge, LA
- Sullivan Zant, Vestal Restaurant; Lafayette, LA
This year’s competition will be held for the first time in Monroe on Friday, May 31. The winner of the competition will be chosen to represent Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-off in New Orleans.