Cook-Off for the Coast Returns to Docville March 11

Restore the Mississippi River Delta in partnership with Vanishing Paradise and the Meraux Foundation willhost the Fifth Annual Cook-Off for the Coast Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Docville Farm in St.Bernard Parish. The annual family-friendly Cook-Off is free to attend and aims to raise awareness about coastal restoration by celebrating the bounty of southeast Louisiana.

"We are proud to once again host the Cook-Off at Docville Farm," said Rita Gue, president of the Meraux Foundation. "With plenty of food, music and fun, the event is a celebration of our unique culture that supports real solutions to the environmental challenges facing coastal Louisiana."

Local cook teams will prepare dishes featuring wild game found in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands and serve up free samples to the attendees. A panel of judges, including local chefs, will rate the entries on taste, originality and presentation. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: swims, flies, crawls, student organizations and crowd favorite.

In addition to the cook-off, some of the New Orleans area's favorite chefs, such as Isaac Toups, will demonstrate wild game recipes, provide free tastings and answer questions from the crowd. Entertainment will be provided by Michot Melody Makers, an electric string band that pushes the boundaries of Cajun traditional music. Libations and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase from local favorite, Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou. Additionally, a host of local organizations will be on hand to let the community know how they can get involved in coastal restoration efforts and provide kid-friendly activities.

“Restoring the Mississippi River Delta and the Gulf Coast is a priority for sportsmen all across the country,” said Matthew Waguespack with Vanishing Paradise. “Cook-Off for the Coast is a perfect way highlight the plentiful resources of our Sportsmen’s Paradise while also educating on the critical conservation and restoration we need to do to ensure it’s here for future generations to enjoy as we have.”

All proceeds from the Fifth Annual Cook-Off for the Coast will benefit the Chandeleur Sound Living Shoreline Program, a partnership with Chalmette High School and Nunez Community College, and Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program.  

"Connecting to our coastal communities is at the heart of our work, so we are proud to once again be a part of the Cook-Off for the Coast,” said Simone Maloz, campaign director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta. “This premier event, which has raised over $30,000 for local coastal restoration projects since its inception, provides a wonderful way to enjoy our coastal communities and culture, while also sharing what opportunities lie ahead.”

Admission to the family-friendly event is free and applications are still open for cook teams, but space is limited. Anyone interested in registering a cook team should contact Sam Carter at info@mississippiriverdelta.org. 

Additional support for this year’s event comes from the St. Bernard Parish Coastal Division, St. Bernard Parish Tourism, Chefs Brigade and Nunez Community College. For more information visit, coastcookoff.wordpress.com