St. Mary chef gets a bite at the Big Apple
Morgan City Chef Willie Gaspard is among 11 renowned Louisiana chefs heading to New York City to showcase the flavors at “Taste Louisiana in New York City.” This one-night-only celebration on Oct. 28 at Chelsea Market is part of a tourism marketing campaign and is a collaborative effort of the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Cajun Coast–St. Mary Parish, and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.
Attendees will savor bites from some of the state’s best chefs, sip on drinks featuring Louisiana brands, and sway to the music of Wayne Toups and David St. Romain.
“We are so excited to bring all of the bright flavors and vibrant culture of Louisiana to New York City at this year’s Taste Louisiana event,” said Chris Landry, Louisiana Travel Association president and CEO. “With 11 amazing chefs, award-winning musicians, and classic Louisiana hospitality, this is going to be a night to remember.”
Chef Gaspard began his long tenure at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel in 2001, where he is now executive chef. Cypress Bayou’s culinary team has earned over 100 medals and accolades at Gulf Coast competitions, showcasing his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Other participating chefs include:
•Nadia Burrell, NadieB’s, Houma
Chef Nadia Burrell is the heart and soul behind Nadie B’s Taste of HomeAh, a boutique restaurant just outside Houma. As a proud Houma native, she brings deep Southern roots and a rich culinary heritage to every dish she serves.
•Peter Cooke, Park Bistro, Lafayette
In early 2022 Peter Cooke moved from Brooklyn to Lafayette, where he became the owner of Park Bistro. Cooke comes from Krupa Grocery in New York City where they achieved several accolades including a Michelin recommendation and articles from the Infatuation, Munchies, The New York Times, Eater, The New York Post and more.
•Russell Davis, Eliza Restaurant & Bar, Baton Rouge
Russell Davis has spent his life pursuing flavor, tradition, and the kind of hospitality that makes people feel like family. Eliza Restaurant & Bar offers classic Southern dishes made with the finest local ingredients, served with the warmth and welcome of a friend’s kitchen.
•Kim Nuzum, Café Sydnie Mae, St. Martin Parish
Chef Kim Nuzum is the Executive Chef at Cafe Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge. She brings a rich blend of diverse culinary influences to the kitchen, thoughtfully merging them with the bold, soulful flavors of Cajun cuisine.
•Maggie Scales, Link Restaurant Group, New Orleans
Maggie Scales is the executive pastry chef at Link Restaurant Group. She played key roles at Pêche, winner of the 2014 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, and Gianna, a 2019 nominee for the same honor. Maggie expanded the companys pastry department with La Boulangerie, a popular neighborhood bakery and café.
•Alon Shaya, Pomegranate Hospitality, New Orleans
Shaya is Chef-Partner of Pomegranate Hospitality, which includes Saba, Miss River and Chandelier Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel and Safta’s Table in New Orleans. He is a multiple James Beard Award winner: Best Chef: South (2015) and Best New Restaurant (2016), and one of Southern Living’s “50 People Who Are Changing the South.”
Taste Louisiana is the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and its partners, offering appetizing getaways and promoting Louisiana by way of its unique culinary scene.
Taste Louisiana showcases the diverse food experiences throughout Louisiana and in major cities across the country. Taste Louisiana aims to inspire travelers by highlighting the accessibility and epicurean journeys awaiting them in Louisiana. For more information about the Taste Louisiana program, visit ExploreLouisiana.com/Culinary, and follow Taste Louisiana on Facebook and Instagram.