Who Is Named ‘Queen of Louisiana Seafood’?

This is one cooking crown that is coveted across the Gulf Coast Region. Louisiana has named the winner of the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cookoff.

The winner is Chef Amanda Cusey from Lake Charles. Chefs from New Orleans and Baton Rouge take home first and second runner up spots in this culinary competition.

Cusey hails from the Villa Harlequin in Lake Charles. She becomes the second ever Queen of Louisiana Seafood in Lafayette, besting 11 other chefs to win the 15th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.

What Was the Winning Plate of Food?

Chef Cusey served up pan-seared red drum over a tomato polenta with a crawfish cream sauce showcasing her creativity and highlighting the superior quality of the seafood that comes from Louisiana’s waterways.

Here Is Chef Cusey's Reaction to the Win

“I was blown away. I was surprised because I did not think I was going to win. I thought I might get into the top two or three, but I was not expecting number one.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says “we’re here for the fifth year in Lafayette, partnering with Lafayette Travel and their Eat Lafayette promotion for the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off to crown the King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood. Chefs from all over Louisiana competed with the winner representing Louisiana in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans this August."

Nungesser says the winner will also represent Louisiana all over the world "promoting the great seafood caught off the shores of our state. This event is a great opportunity to promote great Louisiana fresh seafood and partner with local restaurants. It was definitely a great event in Lafayette.”

When Is the Next Seafood Competition?

The first duty for the 2022 King/Queen of Louisiana Seafood is to prepare to represent the state in the 18th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans on Saturday, August 6.

Finishing second this year was Chef Amy Sins of Langlois in New Orleans. Chef David Dickensauge of Tsunami in Baton Rouge came in 3rd.

I must admit I am a little envious of the judges for this competition.

Here's the List of Judges:

Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, chef/owner of Dook’s Place and part of the Dooky Chase Restaurant family.

Celeste Chachere, great-granddaughter of Tony Chachere and Director of Marketing and Development for Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods

Chef Cody Carroll, former King of Louisiana Seafood and chef/owner of Hot Tails in New Roads and Prairieville

Chef Nealy Frentz, former winner of the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off with her husband Keith and chef/owner of LOLA Restaurant in Covington.

Here's the List of Competitors for the 2022 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

Ryan Cashio; Cajun House & Catering, LLC; Laplace
Amanda Cusey; The Villa Harlequin; Lake Charles
Russell Davis; Eliza Restaurant & Bar and JED’S Louisiana Po’boys; Baton Rouge
David Dickensauge; Tsunami; Baton Rouge
Ben Fidelak; Mariner’s Restaurant; Natchitoches
Ryan Gaudet; Spahr’s Seafood; Des Allemands
Kyle Hudson; Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine; Baton Rouge
Karlos Knott; Bayou Teche Brewing & Cajun Saucer; Arnaudville
Brett Monteleone; Junior’s on Harrison; New Orleans
Amy Sins; Langlois; New Orleans
Joshua Spell; Fezzo’s Seafood Steakhouse & Oyster Bar; Crowley
Devan Giddix; Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House; New Orleans

You can click here to get the recipes for all of the winning dishes.