Acadia Parish Tourism to Bring a Taste of the Louisiana to NYC
Local Grammy-Award Winning Wayne Toups Selected to Participate in Tourism Event in October
(New York, NY) October 28, 2025 – Acadia Parish Tourism is proud to sponsor Wayne Toups’ performance, as 11
renowned Louisiana chefs head to NYC to showcase the state’s bold, unforgettable flavors at “Taste Louisiana in New
York City.” This one-night-only celebration on October 28 th at Chelsea Market is part of a tourism marketing campaign
and is a collaborative effort of the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Acadia Parish Tourism,
and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.
Attendees will savor bites from some of the state’s best chefs, sip on drinks featuring Louisiana brands, and sway to the
music of Wayne Toups and David St. Romain. The epicurean experience extends far beyond food and drink – it’s a vibrant
driving force behind Louisiana’s events and cultural identity. Taste Louisiana and its premier lineup of top chefs are
thrilled to inspire travel by giving New Yorkers a flavorful preview of the exceptional experiences waiting for them when
they travel to the Pelican State.
“We are so excited to bring all of the bright flavors and vibrant culture of Louisiana to New York City at this year’s Taste
Louisiana event,” said Chris Landry, Louisiana Travel Association president and CEO. “With 11 amazing chefs, award-
winning musicians, and classic Louisiana hospitality, this is going to be a night to remember.”
Wayne Toups is a Grammy Award–winning Cajun and Zydeco musician from Crowley, Louisiana, in the heart
of Acadia Parish. Blending traditional Cajun music with Zydeco, R&B, and rock, he pioneered a lively sound
he calls “Zydecajun.” Raised amid the rice fields and dance halls of southwest Louisiana, Toups’ music reflects
the vibrant culture and spirit of his Acadia Parish roots. Over his decades-long career, he has become one of the
region’s most beloved ambassadors, bringing the sound of Cajun country to audiences around the world.
Participating chefs include:
Alon Shaya, Pomegranate Hospitality, New Orleans
Shaya is Chef-Partner of Pomegranate Hospitality, which includes Saba, Miss River and Chandelier Bar at the Four
Seasons Hotel and Safta’s Table in New Orleans. He is a multiple James Beard Award winner—Best Chef: South (2015)
and Best New Restaurant (2016)—and one of Southern Living’s “50 People Who Are Changing the South.”
Maggie Scales, Link Restaurant Group, New Orleans
Maggie Scales is the Executive Pastry Chef at Link Restaurant Group. She played key roles at Pêche, winner of the 2014
James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, and Gianna, a 2019 nominee for the same honor. Maggie expanded the
company’s pastry department with La Boulangerie, a popular neighborhood bakery and café.
Chase Raley, Parish Restaurant, Monroe – West Monroe
Inspired by the rich culture, flavors, and traditions of Louisiana, Chase Raley brings a sense of place to everything he
cooks. His dishes reflect both his lifelong love for food and his respect for the state’s vibrant culinary heritage. Raley has
been a part of the Parish Restaurant family since he was just 16 years old.
Lyle Broussard, Crying Eagle Brewing – Lakefront, Lake Charles
Chef Lyle Broussard is celebrated for his authentic Cajun and Creole flavors, deeply rooted in his passion for Southwest
Louisiana’s rich culinary heritage. In 2024, he was awarded the Outstanding Culinary Professional Award by Visit Lake
Charles for his significant impact on the region’s culinary landscape.
Nadia Burrell, NadieB’s, Houma
Chef Nadia Burrell is the heart and soul behind Nadie B’s Taste of HomeAh, a boutique restaurant just outside Houma,
Louisiana. As a proud Houma native, she brings deep Southern roots and a rich culinary heritage to every dish she
serves.
Peter Cooke, Park Bistro, Lafayette
In early 2022 Peter Cooke moved from Brooklyn to Lafayette, Louisiana where he became the owner of Park Bistro.
Cooke comes from Krupa Grocery in New York City where they achieved several accolades including a Michelin
recommendation and articles from the Infatuation, Munchies, The New York Times, Eater, The New York Post and more.
Russell Davis, Eliza Restaurant & Bar, Baton Rouge
Russell Davis has spent his life pursuing flavor, tradition, and the kind of hospitality that makes people feel like family.
Eliza Restaurant & Bar offers classic Southern dishes made with the finest local ingredients, served with the warmth and
welcome of a friend’s kitchen.
Niema DiGrazia, Abby Singer’s Bistro, Shreveport – Bossier
Chef Niema DiGrazia, a proud native of Sierra Leone, West Africa, and the head chef at Abby Singer’s Bistro located in
downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. In 2025, she brought her fire to national television, competing on the Food Network’s
Beat Bobby Flay.
Willie Gaspard, Cypress Bayou Casino, Cajun Coast
Chef Gaspard began his long tenure at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel in 2001, where he is now Executive Chef. Cypress
Bayou’s culinary team has earned over 100 medals and accolades at Gulf Coast competitions, showcasing his
commitment to excellence and innovation.
Kim Kringlie, The Dakota Restaurant, The Northshore
Chef Kim Kringlie opened The Dakota Restaurant in Covington, Louisiana in 1990. Chef Kringlie has been awarded several
medals by the American Culinary Federation in culinary competitions as well as winning the “Louisiana’s Best Seafood
Chef” competition.
Kim Nuzum, Café Sydnie Mae, St. Martin Parish
Chef Kim Nuzum is the Executive Chef at Cafe Sydnie Mae in Breaux Bridge. She brings a rich blend of diverse culinary
influences to the kitchen, thoughtfully merging them with the bold, soulful flavors of Cajun cuisine.
Maggie Scales, Link Restaurant Group, New Orleans
Maggie Scales is the Executive Pastry Chef at Link Restaurant Group. She played key roles at Pêche, winner of the 2014
James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, and Gianna, a 2019 nominee for the same honor. Maggie expanded the
company’s pastry department with La Boulangerie, a popular neighborhood bakery and café.
Alon Shaya, Pomegranate Hospitality, New Orleans
Shaya is Chef-Partner of Pomegranate Hospitality, which includes Saba, Miss River and Chandelier Bar at the Four
Seasons Hotel and Safta’s Table in New Orleans. He is a multiple James Beard Award winner—Best Chef: South (2015)
and Best New Restaurant (2016)—and one of Southern Living’s “50 People Who Are Changing the South.”
For more information on the event, visit https://tastelouisiana.org/.
About Taste Louisiana
Taste Louisiana is the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, and its
partners, offering appetizing getaways and promoting Louisiana by way of its unique culinary scene. Taste Louisiana
showcases the diverse food experiences throughout Louisiana and in major cities across the country. Taste Louisiana
aims to inspire travelers by highlighting the accessibility and epicurean journeys awaiting them in Louisiana. For more
information about the Taste Louisiana program, visit ExploreLouisiana.com/Culinary, and follow Taste Louisiana on
Facebook and Instagram.
About Acadia Parish Tourism
Acadia Parish Tourism celebrates the rich Cajun heritage, music, and cuisine that define the heart of southwest
Louisiana. From the rice fields of Crowley to the lively dance halls of Eunice, Acadia Parish offers authentic Louisiana
experiences steeped in tradition and community spirit. The tourism office promotes the parish’s unique culture,
festivals, and local flavors, inviting visitors to discover why Acadia is known as “The Rice Capital of America” and a true
home of Cajun music. For more information, visit AcadiaTourism.org and follow Acadia Parish Tourism on Facebook and
Instagram.
For additional information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:
Chere Ledoux
Communications Specialist
Acadia Parish Tourism
337-277-7367
chere@acadiatourism.com
www.acadiatourism.com
