The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board will present the 1st annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off (LASCO) on Saturday, May 24 in the New Orleans Superdome in conjunction with the Grand Tasting event presented by the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience. The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is supported by the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor (OLG), the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (CRT) and the Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT).

The battle begins late morning and at 1 p.m., when the doors open to NOWFE attendees, things are really going to heat up. Each chef has up to one hour to stir, sizzle and sauté their Louisiana seafood dish, then at 3:30 p.m., after the judges have tasted and tallied, one lucky chef will be crowned King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. 

“By creating fabulous cuisine using Louisiana seafood as the main ingredient, these chefs are serving as ambassadors for the Louisiana seafood community,” said Ewell Smith, executive director of LSPMB. “The chef who is named King or Queen will be receiving an incredible honor.” 

Chefs participating in the cook-off are Justin Devillier of La Petite Grocery in New Orleans, Paul Gibson of Bonnie Bell’s Bistro in Lafayette, Terryl Jackson of Prejean’s in Lafayette, Brian Landry of Galatoire’s in New Orleans, Jorg Limper of L’Auberge du Lac in Lake Charles, Duke LoCicero of Café Giovanni in New Orleans, Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Fred Nanato of Tsunami Restaurant in Baton Rouge, Phil O’Donnell of O’Donnell’s Restaurant in Ponchatoula, Bryan Smith of Randol’s Restaurant in Lafayette, Scott Vernadoe of Vernandoe’s at the Myrtles in St. Francisville and William Wells of Culinary Productions in Baton Rouge. 

“This outstanding group of chefs is sure to wow judges and NOWFE attendees alike,” said Jim Funk, President and CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association. “Louisiana seafood and Louisiana chefs are the key ingredients in making Louisiana’s restaurants world-renowned.”

The winning chef of Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off will represent Louisiana in the fifth annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO) on August 2 and 3 at the Louisiana Foodservice EXPO in the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.  GASCO is also presented by LSPMB and is the nation’s most prestigious seafood competition showcasing domestic, sustainable seafood and features premiere chefs from across the nation.  The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is a primary sponsor for the two day event.               
          
Participants in the NOWFE Grand Tasting event, which pairs offerings from New Orleans’ finest chefs with wine from around the world, will be able to view the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off.  Tickets can be purchased at www.NOWFE.com. 

New Orleans Wine & Food Experience
May 21 – 25, 2008

NOWFE focuses the senses on the marvelous possibilities that occur when great wine and great cuisine are combined. In a city that reveres beverages and food ... the most natural celebration, in a jam-packed event-filled calendar is the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience. Our 2007 event surpassed all previous records. NOWFE is a non-profit organization and has contributed over $600,000 to cultural, charitable and educational organizations… donating an astounding $105,000 last year!

A truly “Grand” experience for both foodies and wine connoisseurs, pairing extensive offerings from New Orleans' finest chefs and selections of wines from around the world.

No one under the age o f 21 will be admitted. No strollers allowed.