In a state with such a storied culinary heritage, the best chefs uphold our time-honored customs while keeping an eye toward the future.

Louisiana Cookin’ introduced Chefs to Watch in 2002 as a way of recognizing talented up-and-coming chefs from restaurants around the Bayou State who show passion for traditions while delivering fresh, new concepts. This year’s lineup of Chefs to Watch includes both Louisiana natives and transplants who draw from the state’s bounty of fresh, local ingredients as well as their own personal experiences. Join the 2023 Chefs to Watch for a special nighttime dinner event. The 2022 Chefs to Watch will be cooking Thursday, October 12, at the Southern Hotel in Covington, Louisiana. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Northshore Food Bank

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The Southern Hotel

The Restaurant at The Southern Hotel

This year’s Chefs to Watch dinner will take place just 45 minutes north of the French Quarter in the quaint town of Covington, Louisiana, at the beautiful Southern Hotel. This historic property was lovingly restored and reopened in 2014, and has reclaimed its role as an integral part of the Covington community. Browse its offerings here. Call the Southern Hotel to book a room at a special discounted rate for Chefs to Watch attendees. 

Reserve Your Space

Schedule

Thursday, October 12

6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour
in coordination with past Chefs to Watch


7:15 p.m. Seating


7:30 p.m. Dinner

Reserve Your Space

Cocktail Hour

We’re excited to welcome several chefs for Cocktail Hour. Join us at 6:30 pm to kick off the evening with artisan cocktails and small bites from an esteemed group.  

Reserve Your Space

Meet the 2023 Chefs to Watch

Photo by Grasyn Turpin
Photo by Grasyn Turpin
Chelsea Girard

Cypress by the Revenir
Shreveport


Braised Pork Belly

Photo by Randy Schmidt
Photo by Randy Schmidt
Ciara Finley

Desiderata Kitchen
Baton Rouge


Corn Maque Choux Pudding with Seared Redfish

 

Photo by Matthew Cassity
Desi Bourgeois

Grown & Grazed
Ruston


Chicken Confit over Dirty Rice

 

Photo by Randy Schmidt
Ross Dover

Slidell
Palmettos on the Bayou


Hot & Sour Shrimp Dumplings

 

Photo by Randy Schmidt
Jeff Heard

New Orleans
Heard Dat Kitchen


Mirliton- and Louisiana Blue Crab-Stuffed Lake Pontchartrain Crab with Lemon Beurre Blanc

 

Photo by Randy Schmidt
Michelle Huynh

Baton Rouge
EM’s Bakery


Japanese Cheesecake

 

PRESENTING SPONSORS

BENEFITTING

Have a question about this event? Contact us.