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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. Chef Bahr is the only non-New Orleans based chef serving on the Audubon
Nature Institute’s Gulf United for Lasting Fisheries Chef Council. 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. In 2012, Chef Frank received the Lafcadio Hearn
Award from the John Folse Culinary Institute and was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. In 2016, Chef Frank received
the inaugural Paul Prudhomme Award from the American Culinary Federation.

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. In 2023, Chef Ducote won an episode of the Food
Network’s Superchef Grudge Match. He has also appeared on Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, Masterchef and many television and web shows.

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.” With the shows wrap
Chef Samantha has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board and Chef Cody has expanded
their Hot Tails restaurant to three locations.
Learn more about Louisiana’s famous chefs.
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