We at Louisiana Cookin’ are pleased to present our 2010 Chefs to Watch. The magazine’s network of foodies around the state of Louisiana nominated a record number of chefs for consideration for the prestigious award this year. After a lot of eating and discussion, we narrowed the list down to five up-and-coming chefs who are bursting with talent and skill, and producing menus full of fresh, innovative takes on traditional Louisiana ingredients.

The 2010 Chefs to Watch Awards go to:

• Chef Justin Ferguson, Stroubes Chop House, Baton Rouge
• Chef Matthew Beaudin, Le Cafe at L’Auberge du Lac Resort, Lake Charles
  
• Chef Michael Brady, Wine Country Bistro, Shreveport
  
• Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase IV, New Orleans
• Chef Todd Pulsinelli, American Sector, New Orleans

2010 Chefs to Watch

In its 9th year, the Chefs to Watch program raises thousands of dollars for Café Reconcile, the nonprofit organization which trains at-risk youth to lead productive lives through culinary education and job placement, and the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. The money is raised via sponsorships and ticket sales to the Chefs to Watch Awards Dinner, at which each chef contributes a course.

This year the awards dinner will be held on Monday, August 16, 2010, at The Theatre at Harrah’s New Orleans. The festivities will start at 6:30 PM with a Cocktail and Hors D’oeuvres reception, featuring appetizers created by each award winning chef. While you’re enjoying the food and drinks you can browse the items available in the Silent Auction, hosted by the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. At 7:15 we will sit down to a delicious five-course meal—each chef will prepare a culinary specialty that will intrigue and delight you. Each course will be accompanied by wines selected by the chefs. Click here for the menu.

Tickets are $125.00. Proceeds of the dinner to benefit Café Reconcile. Proceeds from the silent auction to benefit Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. To purchase tickets, click here or call us, in New Orleans, 504-482-3914 or 888-884-4114.

Harrah’s offers Chefs to Watch diners special room rates.
You can dine on our chefs’ delicious creations and you can spend the night in one of Harrah’s beautiful hotel rooms. The rate is $99.00 a night, starting on Sunday August 15, 2010 through Thursday August 19, 2010. The special rate is not set up to be used on the Harrah’s reservation website. Guests must call in their reservation. You can call Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel directly at 504-533-6000. Just give the agent our group code:HCHF810. The cutoff date for reservations is August 1, 2010. Be sure to reserve your room before that date.

Black Tie Optional                  Must be 21 or older to attend