The seventh annual Cook-Off for the Coast raised over $26,000 for Nunez Community College’s Coastal Studies Scholarship Program, impacting the next generation of the coastal workforce.
The program focuses on GIS technology skills and instruction in coastal and environmental science to graduate students who have valuable skills, contribute to coastal science and technology and have a thorough understanding of the complicated problems found in Louisiana’s coastal environment. The students are informed advocates for coastal stewardship and a part of innovative solutions.
Sixteen cook teams brought their A-game, using wild bounty found on Louisiana’s coast, from wild boar to duck to oysters, to create some unique and delicious dishes. New Orleans-based bands JUCO and Happy Talk rounded out the beautiful day with some wonderful music.
COOK-OFF 2025 WINNERS:
- Swims: Kopfler New Orleans Food Krewe with their Cioppino Fisherman’s Stew
- Crawls: Team Islenos with their Pork Birria Tacos
- Flies: Common Ground Relief with their Duck Dolmas and Creole Tzatziki
- Student: Chalmette High School with their Kaitafi Wrapped Shrimp, Corn Maque Chouz and Pickled Okra
- Crowd Favorite: Team Mudda Roux with their Duck and Oyster Puttanesca
THANK YOU to our 2025 Cook-Off judges!
Coastal Art Contest Winners:
- Ages 12 & Under
- 1st place: Beautiful Home by Olivia Liu
- 2nd place: Louisiana Catch of the Day by Arden Brown
- 3rd place: The Riches of New Orleans’ Culture by Molly Ricks
- Honorable Mention: The Place I Call Home by Israel Espiritu, Jr.
- Ages 13-17
- 1st place: Predation by Grace Chen
- 2nd place: Ecosystem by Darrion Beaudoin
- 3rd place: Post Coast Market by Hayden Espiritu
- Honorable Mention: Down the Bayou by Kai-Li Thomas
- Ages 18+
- 1st place: Marshland Martian Land by Rhett Pritchard
- 2nd place: The Inshore Slam by Jamie Richardson
- 3rd place: Escaping the Traps by Linda Lopez
- Honorable Mention: The Golden Hour by Cindy Hebert
See you back at Docville on February 28, 2026!
Cook-Off for the Coast 