Chefs to Watch 2009

LOUISIANA COOKIN’ MAGAZINE
ANNOUNCES 8TH ANNUAL CHEFS TO WATCH AWARD

New Orleans, LA — Louisiana Cookin' is at it again. The magazine's network of foodies in the state of Louisiana has tracked down 5 up-and-coming chefs who are bursting with talent and skill, and producing menus full of fresh, innovative takes on traditional Louisiana ingredients.

The 2009 Chefs to Watch Awards go to:

• Brian Landry, Executive Chef, Galatoire's Restaurant, New Orleans and Galatoire's Bistro, Baton Rouge
• Michael Farrell, Executive Chef, Le Meritage, New Orleans
  
• Nealy Crawford Frentz, Executive Chef, Lola, Covington
  
• Keith Frentz, Executive Chef, Lola, Covington
  
• Christopher Lusk, Executive Chef, Café Adelaide, New Orleans

In its 8th year, the Chefs to Watch program donates thousands of dollars to Café Reconcile, the nonprofit organization which trains at-risk youth to lead productive lives through culinary education and job placement. The money is raised through a dinner at which each chef contributes a course.

This year the awards dinner was held on August 24, 2009 at The Theatre at Harrah’s New Orleans.

Creole Shrimp and Grits (recipe)
by Keith Frentz

Blue Crab and Camembert Bisque
by Christopher Lusk

Jumbo Lump Crabmeat and Sugar Beet Salad (recipe)
by Brian Landry

Grilled Pork Filet with Fig Compote (recipe)
by Michael Farrell

Dark Chocolate Bouchon in house-made caramel
by Nealy Crawford-Frentz

Congratulations to our 2009 Chefs to Watch Award Winners. Look for their stories in the July/August edition of Louisiana Cookin'. Back issue available here.

Here's the list with photos of fabulous hors-d'oeuvres

Dinner Menu: