Louisiana Cookin’ Chefs to Watch
For the past 19 years, Louisiana Cookin’ has identified up-and-coming chefs around the Bayou State as Chefs to Watch. These chefs are passionate individuals with a dedication to their craft and a talent that enriches Louisiana’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
This spring, Louisiana’s restaurant industry was faced with one of its toughest challenges, when the coronavirus pandemic forced dining establishments to close their dining rooms. Throughout the past few months, we have watched in awe as local chefs and restaurants adapted their business models to continue serving their communities. We are honored to present our 2020 Chefs to Watch, a group of people who have continued to impress us with their perseverance and commitment to their customers.
The 2020 Chefs to Watch are Logan Boudreaux of Cinclare in Thibodaux, Ana Castro of Thalia in New Orleans, Anthony Felan of Fat Calf Brasserie in Shreveport, Sarah Joy Hays of CounterspaceBR in Baton Rouge, Lisa Nelson of Queen Trini Lisa in New Orleans, and Charly Pierre of Fritai in New Orleans.
In August, the Chefs to Watch will come together for a special awards dinner during which each chef will present a dish that represents their cooking style. For the first time in its history, the Chefs to Watch Award Dinner will be held at the Southern Hotel in downtown Covington. The event will begin with a cocktail hour featuring small bites by past Chefs to Watch Jeffrey Hansell of Oxlot 9 in Covington, Luke Hidalgo of Hambone in Mandeville, and Keith and Nealy Frentz of LOLA in Covington. This unique event is an opportunity for the new class of Chefs to Watch to showcase their culinary talents under one roof.
Read on to learn more about the 2020 Chefs to Watch and find out what inspires them in the kitchen and beyond.
CHARLY PIERRE
Fritai
“Ever since I was a child,
