PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2024

CVB Contact: Sheila Snow
Phone: 318.503.8329
E-mail: ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org

Monroe-West Monroe Chefs Competing in the 2024 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

Monroe, LA- The Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board announced chefs competing in the 2024 annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO). Tracy Carter with JAC’s Craft Smokehouse, Mac Casteel with Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant, and Chase Woodard with Parish Restaurant have been selected from Ouachita parish to compete in this year’s cook-off. This year’s competition will take place in Monroe, LA at Bayou Pointe on May 31st from 6 pm – 10 pm.

Twelve chefs are selected from across the state of Louisiana to compete to become the next Seafood Cook-Off king or queen. Eligible chefs are required to be an executive chef of a free-standing restaurant that is a part of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. The winner will move on to compete in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Who will this year’s Seafood King or Queen be?

The full list of competing chefs include:

Tracy Carter, JAC's Craft Smokehouse; West Monroe
Muggsy Beals, Desi Vega's Steakhouse - New Orleans
Mac Casteel, Warehouse No.1 Restaurant; Monroe
Brent Daigle, Grady V's; Thibodaux
Ben Fidelak, Mariner's Restaurant; Natchitoches
Kaala Lawla, Boswell's Jamaican Grill; New Orleans
Brandon Naquin, Spahr’s Seafood Restaurant; Thibodaux
Trenton Oliphant, The Depeaux; Independence
Chase Woodard; Parish Restaurant; Monroe
Tony Rodrigue, Acme Oyster House - French Quarter; New Orleans
Frederic Terluin, Rouj Creole; Baton Rouge
Sullivan Zant, Vestal Restaurant; Lafayette

In conjunction with the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, the first annual Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival hosted by Discover Monroe-West Monroe and Chef Cory Bahr will take place! Taste unique dishes from your favorite local restaurants and regional guest chefs while enjoying the seafood cook-off. Attendees can look forward to a variety of flavors, textures, and culinary delights, as each chef brings their unique flair to the table. Drinks will be provided by our local beverage partners. Whether you're a seasoned food critic or simply someone who appreciates good food, the Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival offers something for everyone.

Click here to buy your tickets for the Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival.

For more information, please call 318-387-5691 or visit monroe-westmonroe.org.

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Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings, and sporting events creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit www.monroe-westmonroe.org.