SLIDELL, La. – The 18th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) is heading north for the first time in its history, bringing the celebration of the state’s rich culinary heritage to The Harbor Center in Slidell on Friday, June 27, 2025.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board announced the official lineup of chefs representing every corner of the state, each showcasing their culinary creativity using Louisiana’s world-famous seafood.
“One of the biggest parts of Louisiana’s culture is the connection between good food, good friends, and family. The outstanding chefs 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 Lt. Governor 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.”
🍤 Meet the 2025 LASCO Chefs:
- Karlos Knott, Executive Chef, Cajun Saucer at Bayou Teche Brewery (Arnaudville)
- Kaleb Scott, Executive Chef, University Club of Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge)
- Willie Gaspard, Jr., Executive Chef, Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel (Charenton)
- Michael Kelley, Executive Chef, Gallagher’s Grill (Covington)
- Trenton Oliphant, Executive Chef/Owner, Benteaux Cajun-Asian Fusion (Hammond)
- Jaylen Cherry, Head Chef, The Depeaux (Independence)
- Alexis Indest, Executive Chef, Whiskey and Vine (Lafayette)
- Chase Raley, Chef de Cuisine, Parish Restaurant and Bar (Monroe)
- Farrell Harrison, Executive Chef, Plates Restaurant & Bar (New Orleans)
- Jared Heider, Chef de Cuisine, Juniors on Harrison (New Orleans)
- Blake Jackson, Executive Chef/Owner, Heron Seafood/Mae & Co. (Shreveport)
- Joseph Fontenot, Executive Chef, Creole Bagelry & Café (Slidell)
The competition takes place during St. Tammany Parish’s Tammany Taste of Summer, a month-long culinary celebration that kicks off August 1. This year’s LASCO will offer guests a special preview: 15 local restaurants participating in Tammany Taste will be on-site offering samples of their seasonal creations.
👑 What’s at Stake?
The winner of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off will go on to represent the state at the prestigious Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) in New Orleans on Saturday, August 2, at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center. Held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Expo, GASCO features top chefs from across the country competing for the national title of “King or Queen of American Seafood.”
🎟️ Event Info & Tickets:
- Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
- Location: The Harbor Center, Slidell, LA
- Tickets: $65 – Includes access to both the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and Tammany Taste of Summer Preview
- Purchase Tickets: Available through the Tammany Taste of Summer webpage
📲 Follow the Event:
Stay updated with all things LASCO by following the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board on Facebook and Instagram, and follow the official hashtag #LASCO25.