Baton Rouge chef to compete in seafood cook-off for state title this summer

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s top chefs are heading to the Northshore this summer, including one from Baton Rouge. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board announced the 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) will take place on Friday, June 27, at The Harbor Center in Slidell.

For the first time, the competition will be hosted on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain. Top chefs will come from around the state to show their twists on traditional Louisiana seafood dishes.

One competitor is Kaleb Scott from the University Club of Baton Rouge.

The LASCO winner will represent Louisiana at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans on Aug. 2. Chefs from all over the country will compete for the title of King or Queen of American Seafood.

Tickets are $65 and include access to both the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and the Tammany Taste of Summer preview.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit the Northshore’s Tammany Taste of Summer.

Other 2025 competitors include:

• Karlos Knott – Cajun Saucer at Bayou Teche Brewer in Arnaudville.
• Willie Gaspard, Jr. – Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel in Charenton.
• Michael Kelley – Gallagher’s Grill in Covington.
• Trenton Oliphant – Benteaux Cajun-Asian Fusion in Hammond.
• Jaylen Cherry – The Depeaux in Independence.
• Alexis Indest – Whiskey and Vine in Lafayette.
• Chase Raley – Parish Restaurant and Bar in Monroe.
• Farrell Harrison – Plates Restaurant & Bar in New Orleans.
• Jared Heider – Juniors on Harrison in New Orleans.
• Blake Jackson – Heron Seafood/Mae & Co. in Shreveport.
• Joseph Fontenot – Creole Bagelry & Café in Slidell.

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