Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival Chefs

Indulge in a feast of flavors at the Up Yonder Food & Wine Festival! Taste unique dishes from your favorite local restaurants and regional guest chefs while enjoying the seafood cook-off.

check out our participating chefs!

Chef/Owner/Founder at Parish Restaurant, Standard Coffee Co., & Heritage Catering

Cory Bahr

Cory Bahr is the owner & founder of Parish Restaurant, Standard Coffee Co. and Heritage Catering in Monroe, Louisiana, where he was born and raised. Cory inherited a passion for the great…

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Owner/Chef/Pittmaster at JAC’s Craft Smokehouse

Tracy Carter

Tracy Cater's mission is all about creating memories one bite at a time. His culinary journey began with his unique sauces and seasonings, which eventually led to the launch of a food…

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Executive Chef at CAKE

Becky Thompson

A native of West Monroe, Louisiana, Chef Becky Thompson earned her degree in Hospitality Management at the University of Mississippi after graduating West Monroe High School (’02). Creative designs, impeccable flavor, and…

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Executive Chef at Warehouse No. 1 Restaurant

Mac Casteel

Mac was born and raised in Monroe, LA. He attended Culinary School at the Louisiana Culinary Institute in Baton Rouge. After graduating, he moved to Lafayette, LA to join the kitchen staff…

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Chef/Owner at Nolan’s Pop Up Bistro

Pat Nolan

Pat Nolan grew up in Canada, where she studied the arts of culinary with a major in French Mediterranean cuisine. Today, she is the chef at Nolan's Pop-Up Bistro, serving lunches in…

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Chef/Owner at Forklift Restaurant + Bar

Cooper Miller

Cooper Miller is the chef and owner of Tupelo’s hottest restaurant Forklift, where he serves up his take on Southern Creole Cuisine. He is a native of Amory, Mississippi, where his family…

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Executive Chef/Co-Owner at Fat Calf Brasserie

Anthony Felan

Anthony Felan is the chef and proud owner of Fat Calf Brasserie in the Highland neighborhood of Shreveport. Anthony's culinary journey began at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts…

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Chef/Owner of Bourgeois Restaurant Group, LLC.

Desi Bourgeois

Desi Bourgeois is the Chef Owner of Bourgeois Restaurant Group, LLC. Desi and his wife Dianne returned to Ruston, to drive the “local first” food scene. Grown and Grazed, opened in February…

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Executive Chef at Atchafalaya

Chris Lynch

Chef Christopher Lynch, originally from Philadelphia, PA, discovered his culinary passion through his grandmother's cooking. He trained under a Master French Chef before attending the CIA Culinary Institute to refine his skills…

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Owners/Chefs at LOLA

Keith & Nealy Frentz

At an early age, Keith and Nealy Frentz had aspirations of someday owning a successful restaurant. Keith was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana and Nealy was born and raised in Southern…

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Owner/Chef at Inman Social

Wesley True

Chef Wesley True was a 2011 and 2012 James Beard nominee for Best chef in the South. He was on top Chef season 13, and he beat Bobby Flay. He resides In…

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Creator and Host of Duck Camp Dinners, Editor at Large for Louisiana Cookin’ Magazine

Jean-Paul Bourgeois

Jean-Paul is a native of Thibodaux Louisiana and spent much of his professional career cooking around the United States including Napa, San Francisco and New York City. Currently Jean-Paul works in various…

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Chef/Owner at Taste of India

Pratap Thota

Meet Mr. Pratap Thota, a culinary visionary whose journey began in 2001 when he embarked on a culinary odyssey as a chef, mastering the art of Indian cuisine with dedication and skill…

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Chef at Trio’s

Muriel Woodard

Chef Muriel Woodard is from Ruston, LA. She's had a passion for the culinary arts from a young age and attended the NOCHI culinary school in New Orleans, LA for baking and…

Catering Chef at Catfish Cabin

David Hearn

David Hearn has been serving up fabulous fried fish for many years. During his career, he has served as a board member and president of the Northeast Louisiana Restaurant Association, as well…

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