2025 Chefs to Watch Dinner - Louisiana Cookin'

Louisiana Cookin’ launched Chefs to Watch in 2002 to celebrate rising culinary talent across the Bayou State—chefs who honor Louisiana’s rich food traditions while bringing bold, fresh ideas to the table. The 2025 celebration includes a two-night event in Covington, Louisiana: a seated dinner on Thursday, November 6, at The Greenwood featuring this year’s standout chefs, and a walk-around tasting on Friday, November 7, at The Southern Hotel with alumni chefs. A portion of proceeds will benefit Northshore Food Bank.

Schedule

Thursday, November 6

6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour
in coordination with The Greenwood

7:15 p.m. Seating

7:30 p.m. Dinner

Friday, November 7

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Chefs to Watch: Savor the Legacy
in coordination with past Chefs to Watch

2025 Chefs to Watch Dinner - Louisiana Cookin'

2025 Chefs to Watch Dinner - Louisiana Cookin' 2025 Chefs to Watch

Chefs to Watch: Savor the Legacy

We’re excited to debut a brand-new second-night event to round out this year’s celebration. Join us on Friday, November 7, at 7 p.m. in the Southern Hotel courtyard for an intimate evening of cocktails, conversation, and inventive small plates from four Chefs to Watch alumni—Chefs Nathanial Zimet (Boucherie, 2014), Ciara Finley (Desiderata Kitchen, 2023) and Alex Harrell (Gloriette, 2013). Enjoy a relaxed, walk-around tasting experience as these celebrated chefs serve up creative bites alongside signature drinks and sweet treats—all set against the charming backdrop of downtown Covington.

The Greenwood

This year’s Chefs to Watch dinner will be held a short drive north of the French Quarter in the charming town of Covington, Louisiana, at The Greenwood, the newest property from the Southern Hotel. Call the Southern Hotel to book a room at a special discounted rate for Chefs to Watch guests.