KEY TAKEAWAYS: Chef Kris Allen of Lafayette won the 2026 Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off with a crab-stuffed flounder dish. The annual competition was held in Jefferson Parish for the first time in partnership with Visit Jefferson Parish. Allen will represent Louisiana at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off on July 25 in New Orleans. New Orleans chefs Chris Vazquez and Jared Heider finished as first and second runners-up, respectively. Chef Kris Allen of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette claimed the title of 2026 King of Louisiana Seafood after winning the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, edging out 12 other chefs in the statewide culinary competition. The event, presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, was held in Jefferson Parish for the first time in partnership with Visit Jefferson Parish’s Foodie Feast Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off Edition. Allen earned the top honor with a crab-stuffed flounder dish that showcased Louisiana seafood. The Lafayette chef will now represent the state at the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off, scheduled for July 25 in New Orleans. He also will serve as a Louisiana seafood ambassador over the next year, promoting the state’s seafood industry. “We put a lot of work into this dish, and a lot of work into the components as well. I feel like the work was worth the surprise,” Allen said. “Louisiana seafood is simply the best seafood in the world to cook with. The freshness, quality and incredible variety inspire every dish, and it’s an honor to showcase the hardworking fishermen and producers who make our seafood second to none. Winning the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off is an incredible honor, and I’m proud to represent Louisiana seafood on the national stage.” Allen, a southwest Louisiana native, said his passion for cooking developed while spending time on his father’s shrimp boat and learning family recipes from his grandmother. According to organizers, those experiences shaped his focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional Louisiana cuisine. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser said moving the annual competition to Jefferson Parish highlighted one of Louisiana’s leading culinary destinations while promoting the state’s seafood industry. “Bringing the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off to Jefferson Parish for the first time was a tremendous success and a wonderful showcase for one of the state’s premier culinary destinations. Events like this celebrate the incredible talent of our chefs while reminding everyone that when you choose Louisiana seafood and dine at our local restaurants, you’re supporting the families, fishermen, and communities that make our seafood industry the best in the world. We encourage everyone to keep Louisiana seafood on their table and support the restaurants that proudly serve it every day,” Nungesser said. Chef Chris Vazquez of Ralph’s on the Park in New Orleans finished as first runner-up, while Chef Jared Heider of Juniors on Harrison in New Orleans placed third. The competition featured chefs from across Louisiana representing restaurants from Lafayette, Metairie, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Slidell, Ponchatoula, Thibodaux, Des Allemands and Mangham. Judges included food personalities Koa Guidry Melancon and Sarah Guidry O’Pry, known as The Cajun Mamas; Chef Corey Thomas of Restaurant August; 2009 King of Louisiana Seafood Keith Frentz, co-owner of LOLA in Covington; and Chef Kevin LeVan of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute. Organizers said recipes from all of the competing chefs are available through LouisianaSeafood.com. ...read more read less