BATON ROUGE, La. — Chef Robert Vasquez of PePe's Sonoran Cuisine in Covington was crowned as the 2020 King of Louisiana Seafood at the conclusion of the 13th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-off.
Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board crowned Vasquez live on the Louisiana Seafood Facebook page for this year’s event, which was switched from the kitchen stadium format to a virtual competition for safety reasons.
According to a release from the lieutenant governor's office, Vasquez prepared a Red Snapper, Crawfish Sofrito to beat out nine of the state’s best seafood chefs by showcasing his creativity and highlighting the superior quality of the seafood that comes from Louisiana’s shorelines and vast waterways.
Chef Chris Vazquez of Redfish Grill in New Orleans was named second place winner, preparing a Pan Roasted Redfish topped with a Mango and Crab Chutney.
Close behind was third place winner Chef Justin Componation of Parish Restaurant & Bar in Monroe who prepared a Grilled Shrimp Tartine with Sambal Lime Cream.
For the first time, this year’s Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off included a chance for viewers to participate and select the “People’s Choice” winner. That honor went to Chef Devan Giddix of Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House whose video demonstration of his Grits and Gillades de Mer was shared more on social media than any other competing chef.
Each dish was scrutinized by some of Louisiana's most seasoned chefs and food lovers, including 2015 King of Louisiana Seafood Chef Michael Brewer; President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Baton Rouge Chapter Lisa Boudreaux-Lecoq; and, Caitlin Watzke from Louisiana Cookin’ magazine. Hosting the video demonstrations this year was 2011 King of Louisiana Seafood and Food Network Star finalist Chef Cory Bahr.
You can watch the full ceremony below.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
