Photography by Stephen Buchanan
3 Top Chefs from across the U.S. to battle for America's top seafood title at the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans July 25
BATON ROUGE, LA. – Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board will welcome 13 chefs from across the country to compete in the nation's premier seafood cooking competition, the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Representing Maryland will be Chef Scott Harrison from Boatyard Bar and Grill in Annapolis.
Chef Scott Harrison is the executive chef at Boatyard Bar & Grill in Annapolis, Maryland, where he is known for creating Chesapeake-inspired dishes that celebrate the region's renowned seafood. With decades of culinary experience and a passion for sourcing fresh, local ingredients, Harrison has built a reputation for blending classic Maryland flavors with refined technique, making him a respected leader in the Mid-Atlantic seafood community.
The competition begins with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. and the first chef starting to cook at 11:30 a.m. Representing their home states, the chefs will prepare signature seafood dishes before a live audience and a panel of nationally recognized judges, all while showcasing the quality, sustainability, and diversity of America's domestic seafood industry.
"The Great American Seafood Cook-Off is more than a culinary competition. It's a celebration of the hardworking men and women who harvest America's seafood and the talented chefs who bring it to life. Every plate tells the story of our coastal communities, and we're proud to host this event in Louisiana, where seafood isn't just part of our culture, it's part of who we are," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "America's seafood industry supports thousands of jobs and communities from coast to coast. This event highlights the importance of buying domestic seafood and supporting the hardworking fishermen and seafood producers who keep this vital industry thriving."
The 2026 Great American Seafood Cook-Off competitors are:
- Chef C.R. “Robbie” Nicolaisen, The Hound; Auburn, Alabama
- Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ash Restaurant; Tampa, Florida
- Chef Virginia Willis, Virginia Willis Culinary Enterprises, Inc.; East Point, Georgia
- Chef Kris Allen, Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant; Lafayette, Louisiana
- Chef Wilson Rothschild, Terlingua; Portland, Maine
- Chef Scott Harrison, Boatyard Bar & Grill; Annapolis, Maryland
- Chef Quang Tran, Happy You’re Here Hospitality Group; Somerville, Massachusetts
- Chef Dalton Ferguson, Elvie’s Restaurant; Jackson, Mississippi
- Chef Andres Prussing, Stoke Charlotte; Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chef Bill Twaler, Tavola Italian; Simpsonville, South Carolina
- Chef Mike Pharm, The Optimist; Nashville, Tennessee
- Chef Adam Monette, Café Monette; St. Albans, Vermont
- Chef Austin McCormick, Lemaire; Richmond, Virginia
Throughout the competition, each chef will prepare an original dish featuring domestic seafood while engaging with the audience. Celebrity hosts Chef Cory Bahr – Food Network Star finalist, Chopped! champion, and former King of Louisiana Seafood – and KLFY-TV's Gerald Gruenig will guide spectators through the event.
The dishes will be evaluated by a panel of nationally acclaimed judges based on presentation, creativity, composition, craftsmanship, and flavor.
To be eligible for the competition, chefs must either hold the current title of King or Queen of Seafood in their home state or territory or be appointed by their state's lieutenant governor or other designated official.
Reigning King of American Seafood Chef Wesley True of Inman Social in Cleveland, Tennessee, earned the 2025 title with a fried catfish dish featuring herb aioli, smoked trout roe, hot sauce vinaigrette, and peaches.
The Great American Seafood Cook-Off is held in conjunction with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Showcase.
Previous winners of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off include:
- 2025: Wesley True, Tennessee
- 2024: Erin Miller, Massachusetts
- 2023: Brody Olive, Alabama
- 2022: Erin Miller, Massachusetts
- 2021: Austin Sumrall, Mississippi
- 2019: Nathan Richard, Louisiana
- 2018: Ryan Trahan, Louisiana
- 2017: Lionel Uddipa, Alaska
- 2016: Alex Eaton, Mississippi
- 2015: Beau Schooler, Alaska
- 2014: Terry White, Florida
- 2013: David Crews, Mississippi
- 2012: Gregory Gourdet, Oregon
- 2011: Jim Smith, Alabama
- 2010: Dean Max, Florida
- 2009: Tory McPhail, Louisiana
- 2008: John Currence, Mississippi
- 2007: Tim Thomas, Georgia
- 2006: Justin Timineri, Florida
- 2005: Randy Evans, Texas
For more information on the competition and to learn more about the competing chefs, visit the Great American Seafood Cook-Off webpage.
Following the crowning of the 2026 King or Queen of American Seafood on July 25, a news release with images of the event will be distributed.
