CHEF AARON BURGAU CROWNED KING OF LOUISIANA SEAFOOD

Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne is announcing Chef Aaron Burgau of Patois in New Orleans as the 2014 King of Louisiana Seafood. Burgau was crowned today at the seventh annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board. His dish of Crawfish and Pappardelle Pasta with Ramp Greens Purée and Uni Butter captivated the judges and won him the title.
“Thanks to all 10 of the chefs and their assistants for participating in the Cook-Off and proving that great dishes start with great ingredients and there is none better than Louisiana Seafood,” Lt. Governor Dardenne said. “The judges had a tough job choosing from such a talented field of competitors. We are proud to welcome Chef Burgau as the new King of Louisiana Seafood and look forward to his serving as an ambassador for our brand, representing us at events throughout the year.”
Looking ahead to his next stop at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off to be held August 2, Chef Burgau said, “It was a pleasure to compete against the talented field at today’s event and I look forward to moving to the next competition. It is an honor to represent our state and demonstrate to the country that Louisiana offers the best seafood.”
Coming in second place was Chef Chris Montero of Café B in New Orleans with his Gulf Wild Red Snapper. Chef Chip Flanagan of Ralph’s on the Park in New Orleans took third with his Cobia with Crawfish Tails, Sweet Pea Succotash and Crawfish Nantua Sauce.
Judges include renowned New Orleans chef Susan Spicer of Bayona and Mondo; Susan Ford, president and publisher of Louisiana Kitchen & Culture magazine; Beverly Stephen, executive editor of Food Arts magazine; and Gaye Sandoz, director of the LSU AgCenter Food Incubator.
Chefs Cody and Samantha Carroll, the 2013 King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood and co-owners of Hot Tails restaurant in New Roads, crowned the 2014 winner.
Visit LouisianaSeafoodCookOff.com for more information on participants in today’s event.

Previous winners of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off include:

2011 – Jim Smith, Alabama Governor’s Mansion

2010 – Dean Max, 3030 Ocean, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

2009 – Tory McPhail, Commander’s Palace, New Orleans, LA

2008 – John Currence, City Grocery, Oxford, MS

2007 – Tim Thomas, Ocean Forest Golf Club, Sea Island, GA

2006 – Justin Timineri, Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services

2005 – Randy Evans, Brennan’s of Houston, Houston, TX

2004 – John Besh, Restaurant August, New Orleans, LA