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LOUISIANA’S BEST-KNOWN CHEFS - AND WHERE TO TASTE THEIR CUISINE
Great meals and Louisiana go together like gumbo and rice—you can’t think of one without the other. And behind every Louisiana dish is a
chef who ensures that diners are getting an experience they won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Here are some of the culinary geniuses who are
making sure Louisiana maintains its reputation as a food lover’s dream destination – and where you can taste their delicious dishes.

EMERIL LAGASSE
Few chefs in the world are so famous that they’re known by one name. Emeril is among them. While not a Louisiana native, Emeril made
a name for himself at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and has since been a Louisiana icon. The man behind Emeril’s New Orleans,
NOLA Restaurant, Emeril’s Delmonico and Meril is a pioneer in what’s widely known as “new New Orleans” cuisine—contemporary twists
on traditional Creole fare. For his contributions to the American culinary industry, Lagasse was featured in the 2012 Smithsonian exhibit
“Food: Transforming the American Table 1950–2000.” In 2013, Lagasse was named the Humanitarian of the Year by the James Beard
Foundation for his dedicated efforts to further the culinary arts in America. Of course, he has also made many appearances on the Food
Network – whether it be cooking up a storm or judging competitions, and has over a dozen best-selling cookbooks.

CORY BAHR

Chef Bahr’s list of accolades keeps getting longer, with awards that include Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in the U.S. (2015), being named
the King of Louisiana Seafood (2011), and Food Network’s “Chopped!” Champion. He’s also one of north Louisiana’s shining culinary stars,
exemplified by his restaurant Parish Restaurant & Bar in Monroe.

DONALD LINK
Louisiana native Chef Donald Link began his professional cooking career at 15 years old. Fast-forward to 2007 when his restaurant,
Herbsaint, earned him a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2007. Herbsaint has been consistently included on the Times-Picayune’s
annual list of New Orleans’ 10 Best Restaurants since the list began in 2003. The restaurant has also been recognized by Eater National as
one of “The Best Restaurants in America” (the 38 restaurants that defined dining), has been added to the Fine Dining Hall of Fame by Nation’s
Restaurant News, as well as listed as a Top 50 Restaurant in America by Gourmet Magazine. You can also taste Chef Link’s creations at
Pêche, which won a James Beard award for Best New Restaurant in America in 2014, and Cochon.

FRANK BRIGTSEN

Frank began his culinary career in 1973 while attending Louisiana State University. In 1979, he apprenticed at Commander’s Palace
Restaurant under the guidance of Chef Paul Prudhomme. Chef Frank opened Brigtsen’s in 1986, and in 1988, Food & Wine named him
“One of America’s Top Ten New Chefs.” He also received the James Beard Award for “American Express Best Chef: Southeast” in 1998.

JAY DUCOTE
Chef Jay Ducote’s culinary story started as a college student at Louisiana State University with a love of tailgate cooking. Since graduating
with a bachelor’s degree in economics in political science and a master’s in political science, Chef Ducote has finished runner-up on Food
Network Star’s 11th season, Beat Bobby Flay at a crawfish boil in 2019, and has cooked at the historic James Beard House in NYC twice.

MEG BICKFORD
After graduating from the John Folse Culinary Institute and starting in the Commander’s Palace kitchen in 2008, Chef Megan “Meg”
Bickford took on the role of Executive Chef in 2020 – the first woman to earn the position at this legendary New Orleans establishment.
Chef Meg previously served as the Executive Chef of Cafe Adelaide, where she was chosen as one of FSR Magazine’s “Rising Stars” and
one of Louisiana Cookin’s “Chefs to Watch.”

SAMANTHA AND CODY CARROLL
Chefs Sam and Cody are both Louisiana natives who have made a name for themselves nationally. The duo, owners of Hot Tails in New
Roads and Prairieville, won the 2013 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, earning the titles “King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood.” In December
2017, the couple rose to fame as Food Network stars, showcasing their farm-to-table cuisine and unique style in the kitchen on their own
show: “Cajun Aces.” Learn more about Louisiana’s famous chefs.

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