Sixteen Culinary Stars from the Bayou State to Bring Southern Flavors to the Windy City This November for Taste Louisiana in Chicago
The event on November 4th to feature food from top chefs in Louisiana at City Hall by Recess in Chicagoโs West Loop
I LOVE New Orleans (NOLA) and have been on several occasions. The last time I went I stuffed myself silly and put together a little guide of the places Iโd been.
Well guess what Chicago?! You donโt need to pack your bags because NOLA is coming to us. The popular Taste Louisiana event is coming to Chicago, bringing the soul of the South to the Windy City. This one-night-only celebration on November 4th from 7:00-9:30 p.m., invites foodies to an exclusive culinary event at City Hall by Recess where they can indulge in the bold, unforgettable flavors from 16 of Louisianaโs top chefs all in Chicagoโs West Loop.
Onsite, attendees can enjoy plates from 16 of the stateโs leading chefs, sip on Southern cocktails, mocktails and beers, and enjoy the sounds of live Louisiana music, all in an immersive experience that brings you straight to the Bayou. General admission tickets are priced at $75 and are now on sale attastelouisiana.org. Tickets will include unlimited food tastings and one drink ticket to enjoy a signature Louisiana cocktail, a glass of wine, or a beer. A cash bar will also be available to purchase additional drinks. There will also be live music, cultural experiences, photo opportunities and more. Due to the nature of this event, attendees must be 21 years or older. Tickets for this annual event sell out fast so secure your spot while you can.
To learn more and purchase tickets to the event, visit the event website www.tastelouisiana.org. To experience the flavors, culture, music and hospitality of Louisiana for yourself, start planning your next trip at Explore Louisiana.
MEET THE CHEFS
Representing Louisiana
Kris Padalino, Brennanโs, New Orleans
Chef Kris Padalino is the Executive Chef at Brennanโs where she leads the iconic restaurant’s culinary program by honoring its storied Creole traditions while introducing her own ingredient-driven, innovative approach. Under her leadership, the restaurant has earned prestigious accolades, includingย multiple James Beard Foundation Award nominations and recognition onย the list of America’s Best Restaurants, nationally, by theย New York Times.
Arvinder and Ashwin Vikhu, Saffron &ย Kingsway, New Orleans
Arvinder and Ashwin Vilkhu are the father and son chef team behind Saffron, a modern Indian restaurant which celebrates their Indian heritage with worldly influences. In 2025, Ashwin debuted his solo restaurant The Kingsway. In 2025, Ashwin and Arvinder were James Beard Foundation semifinalists for โBest Chef: Southโ for their work at Saffron, which was also a โBest New Restaurantโ semifinalist in 2018. The Kingsway has earned recognition in the New York Times, Bon Appรฉtit, and the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South.
Kris Allen, Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant and Gravy Restaurant, Lafayette
Chef Kris Allen is the Executive Chef at the popular Pamplona Tapas Bar & Restaurant and Operating Partner and Chef at Gravy Restaurant, one of the newest restaurants in Lafayette, where he honors Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions through thoughtfully crafted dishes rooted in fresh, local ingredients. Drawing on experience from acclaimed restaurants in New Orleans, Chicago, and beyond, Chef Allen has become one of the region’s most respected chefs, earning numerous awards for his Louisiana cuisine, includingย most recently being named the 2026 Louisiana King of Seafood.
Cory Bahr, Parish Restaurant, Sushi KลKล, Standard Coffee Co., Monroe-West Monroe
Cory Bahr is the Owner & Founder of Parish Restaurant, Sushi KลKล and Standard Coffee Co. A 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: South and former Louisiana King of Seafood, Bahr is nationally recognized for his commitment to sustainable Gulf seafood and elevating the culinary profile of North Louisiana.
Lyle Broussard, Crying Eagle Brewing Company, Lake Charles
Chef Lyle Broussard is celebrated for his authentic Cajun and Creole flavors, deeply rooted in his passion for Southwest Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. In 2024, he was awarded the Outstanding Culinary Professional Award by Visit Lake Charles for his significant impact on the regionโs culinary landscape.
Brett Butler, The Diamond Grill, Alexandria-Pineville
Brett Butler has worked at Diamond Grill for nearly a decade and now serves as the Executive Chef. Originally from New York, Chef Brettโs career has included leadership roles in fine dining, casinos, and with the New Orleans Saints organization, shaping his passion for elevated cuisine and exceptional hospitality.
Niema DiGrazia, Abby Singerโs Bistro & Niemaโs Cookery Corner, Shreveport-Bossier
Chef Niema DiGrazia, a proud native of Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the head chef at Abby Singerโs Bistro located in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana and founder of Niema’s Cookery Corner, where she celebrates her African heritage through bold Afro-fusion cuisine.ย She has competed in the national spotlight on Choppped and is a Beat Bobby Flay champion
Paul and Lindsay Dupre, Elsieโs Plate & Pie, Baton Rouge
Paul and Lindsay Dupre are the husband-and-wife team behind Elsie’s Plate & Pie, one of Baton Rouge’s most beloved neighborhood restaurants. The restaurant’s commitment to quality has earned it recognition from the Michelin Guide, cementing its place among Louisiana’s most notable dining destinations.
Paul Farlow, Ember, Houma
Chef Paul Farlow is a South Louisiana native with a 36-year culinary career spanning fine dining, hospitality and the hotel and casino industry. Through Ember, Chef Paulโs vision is to elevate Houmaโs dining scene to a Michelin-level standard and help position the region as a premier culinary destination in South Louisiana.
Willie Gaspard, Cypressย Bayou Casino and Hotel, Cajun Coast
Chef Gaspard began his long tenure at Cypressย Bayou Casino Hotel in 2001, where he is now Executive Sous Chef. Cypressย Bayouโs culinary team has earned over 100 medals and accolades at Gulf Coast competitions, showcasing his commitment to excellence and innovation.
Shantee Gotte Manuel, CAKEBAR, Acadia Parish
Shantee is the founder and visionary behind CAKEBAR, a celebrated bakery and boutique based in downtown Crowley, Louisiana, known for its creative desserts and nationally sought-after King Cake Cheesecake. A graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, she has combined her passions for baking and fashion to create CAKEBAR & MODISH, while remaining an active community leader.
Bryce Granier, Palmettoโs on the Bayou, The Northshore
Chef Granier serves as Executive Chef at Palmettos on the Bayou in Slidell, where he showcases the region’s local ingredients through thoughtful, elevated dishes that celebrate Louisiana’s culinary heritage while embracing fresh, seasonal influences that create memorable dining experiences.
Jude Huval, Patโs Fishermanโs Wharf, St. Martin Parish
Chef Jude Huval is co-owner of hisย familyโs business, Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf, where with his siblings he continues the familyโs 75-year legacy of serving authentic Cajun cuisine. Patโs is a destination in the region including the restaurant, dance hall, and roux factory. A Louisiana Culinary Institute graduate and former Chopped contestant, Chef Huval is recognized as one of Acadiana’s leading chefs for his dedication to preserving and celebrating Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions.
Karlos Knott, Cajun Saucer, Louisiana Seafood Promotion Board
Chef Karlos Knott started the Cajun Saucer, where Italian traditions meet Cajun and Creole ingredients to create a distinctly Louisiana style of cuisine. In 2025, Karlos won the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off and was crowned the King of Louisiana Seafood.
Blaise LaCour, Cane River Commissary, Natchitoches
Since taking over her familyโs restaurantย Cane River Commissary in September 2017, Chef Blaise LaCour has made it a place where she shares her family’s Creole recipes alongside Natchitoches favorites like meatpies, all served with a taste of her own life experiences.
Trenten Oliphant, Maurepas Restaurant, The Depeaux & Benteaux, Tangipahoa
Chef Oliphant is the Executive Chef and Owner ofย Maurepas Restaurant, one of the newest restaurants in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. With his father and brother, he also ownsThe Depeaux & Benteaux. Each reflect his passion for blending Cajun flavors with Asian culinary traditions
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