BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board today are proud to announce the selection of chefs from across the state to represent their areas in the 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO). This year’s competition will be held for the first time on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain in Slidell at The Harbor Center on Friday, June 27, 2025.
“One of the biggest parts of Louisiana’s culture is the connection between good food, good friends, and family. In all corners of our state, you can find culinary creations from recipes passed down through generations. The outstanding chef’s we have competing this year have taken those recipes and put their own spin on them and use Louisiana seafood to help create the culinary identity Louisiana has today,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “This event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our diverse heritage, the great contributions of chefs around our state, and the hardworking people of the Louisiana seafood and restaurant industries that make Louisiana truly a place to Feed Your Soul.”
Chef’s competing in the 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off include:
- Karlos Knott, Executive Chef, Cajun Saucer at Bayou Teche Brewery; Arnaudville, LA
- Kaleb Scott, Executive Chef, University Club of Baton Rouge; Baton Rouge, LA
- Willie Gaspard, Jr., Executive Chef, Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel; Charenton, LA
- Michael Kelley, Executive Chef, Gallagher’s Grill; Covington, LA
- Trenton Oliphant, Executive Chef/Owner, Benteaux Cajun-Asian Fusion; Hammond, LA
- Jaylen Cherry, Head Chef, The Depeaux; Independence, LA
- Alexis Indest, Executive Chef, Whiskey and Vine; Lafayette, LA
- Chase Raley, Chef de Cuisine, Parish Restaurant and Bar; Monroe, LA
- Farrell Harrison, Executive Chef, Plates Restaurant & Bar; New Orleans, LA
- Jared Heider, Chef de Cuisine, Juniors on Harrison; New Orleans, LA
- Blake Jackson, Executive Chef/Owner, Heron Seafood/Mae & Co.; Shreveport, LA
- Joseph Fontenot, Executive Chef, Creole Bagelry & Café; Slidell, LA
The 2025 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is being held in conjunction with 8th Annual Tammany Taste of Summer, running August 1-31, as St. Tammany Parish restaurants serve up exclusive dining deals showcasing the region’s rich culinary scene.
This year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off will feature an added treat for attendees as 15 participating Tammany Taste of Summer restaurants will offer a delicious preview of the month-long culinary celebration. Whether you're a foodie or just hungry for something new, this is your chance to savor the best of the Northshore.
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, August 2, at the Ernest M. 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 Visit the Northshore’s Tammany Taste of Summer webpage. One ticket provides admission to the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and the Tammany Taste of Summer event. Be sure to join us on Friday, June 27, as we crown the 2025 King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood in Slidell, LA.