Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board today are proud to announce the selection of 12 chefs from across the state to represent their areas in the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO). This year’s competition will be held for the first time in Jefferson Parish, with the competition taking place at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner on Friday, June 26, 2026.
“Louisiana’s seafood industry is a cornerstone of our culture, economy, and way of life, and the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is a great opportunity to showcase the incredible talent we have in kitchens across our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We are excited to welcome these 12 outstanding chefs selected to compete this year, each bringing creativity, passion, and their own unique Louisiana flair to the table. Through dishes that highlight our world-famous seafood, these chefs help tell the story of Louisiana and the generations of fishermen, processors, and restaurant owners who make our culinary heritage unlike anywhere else in the world. Events like this not only celebrate our rich food culture, but also help promote and support Louisiana seafood and the hardworking people behind it.”
Chefs competing in the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off include:
- Trudy Alexander, President/Owner, Kenner Seafood; Kenner, LA
- Kris Allen, Executive Chef, Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant & Gravy Lafayette; Lafayette, LA
- Thomas Boquet, Executive Chef, Spahr’s Seafood; Thibodaux, LA
- Stephen Coblentz, Executive Chef, Chart House; Lake Charles, LA
- Niema DiGrazia, Owner/Chef, Chez Niema; Shreveport, LA
- Hayden Guidry, Executive Chef, Eliza Restaurant & Bar; Baton Rouge, LA
- Jason Hall, Executive Chef, Don’s Seafood; Metairie, LA
- Caelan McLin, Executive Chef, English Tea Room; Covington, LA
- Brandon Naquin, Chef, 3 Piers Seafood Market; Des Allemands, LA
- Tony Rodrigue, Director of Food & Beverage, Acme Oyster House; Metairie, LA
- Charles Smelley, Executive Chef, Daves Bayou Lodge and Outfitters; Mangham, LA
- Chris Vazquez, Executive Chef, Ralph’s on the Park; New Orleans, LA
The 2026 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is being held in conjunction with the kickoff to the third annual Foodie Feast Restaurant Week hosted by Visit Jefferson Parish. This year’s restaurant week will be held September 20-26, 2026. For one delicious week, diners in Jefferson Parish can enjoy special menus and deals from some of the best restaurants across the parish. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover new flavors or revisit your favorite spots while supporting local businesses and celebrating the community.
The winner of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off will represent our state at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans on Saturday, July 25, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. GASCO is held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Expo and features chefs from around the country competing for the title of “King or Queen of American Seafood.”
Tickets are on sale now for $65 each. To purchase your ticket online, head to the Visit Jefferson Parish Foodie Feast webpage. One ticket provides admission to the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and the Foodie Feast. Be sure to join us on Friday, June 26, as we crown the 2026 King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, LA.
Follow the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off events via the official hashtag – #LASCO26.