By the time you’re holding this issue in your hand, the 2025 King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood will be proudly wearing their crown (in part due to the judiciousness of our Country Roads publisher James Fox-Smith, who is one of the judges for this year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off). But in the spirit of an issue celebrating the chefs who make the effort to utilize the incomparable resource that is our Gulf seafood, we wanted to take a moment to honor this year’s contenders—who represent the finest culinary talent from across our state.
From Acadiana, there is Karlos Knott (Cajun Saucer at Bayou Teche Brewery) and Alexis Indest (Whiskey and Vine).
Hailing from the Northshore are Trenten Oliphant (Benteaux Cajun-Asian Fusion), Jaylen Cherry (The Depeaux), Michael Kelley (Gallagher’s Grill), and Joseph Fontenot (Creole Bagelry & Café).
From New Orleans and the surrounding region: Willie Gaspard, Jr. (Cypress Bayou Casino & Hotel), Farrell Harrison (Plates Restaurant & Bar), and Jared Heider (Juniors on Harrison).
From North Louisiana come Blake Jackson (Heron Seafood / Mae & Co.) and Chase Raley (Parish Restaurant and Bar).
And from Baton Rouge—Kaleb Scott of the University Club of Baton Rouge.
Find out who won at louisianaseafood.com/louisiana-seafood-cook-off.
