The 10th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off gets underway today at the CajunDome in Lafayette.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this is a great way to showcase the fresh seafood of the Bayou State. He says a dozen Louisiana chefs will compete in the cook-off.

“We’ve got chefs from all over the state, and they’ll be competing for the King or Queen of Seafood that will represent the state of Louisiana all next year,” Nungesser said.

This is the first year the event will be held in Acadiana, as it usually takes place in New Orleans. Nungesser says this is a way to help bolster the Lafayette economy amid a struggling oil and gas industry.

“As New Orleans does a great job in tourism and is busting at the seams, we thought it was an opportunity to help out another part of Louisiana and focus on all the great things here in Lafayette to do,” Nungesser said.

Nungesser hopes cook-off attendees will spend a couple days in Acadiana to see how beautiful the Lafayette community is. He says this can have a huge economic impact as people stay in area hotels and shop local establishments.

“Come here, spend a few days, and see Lafayette and all they have to offer. So it’s a win-win for the seafood industry, for tourism, and for Lafayette,” Nungesser said.

Blake Phillips of Sage Restaurant in Monroe was last year’s winner.

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