Eats

Scott McCue represents Acadiana at the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off

by Kari Walker

Cypress Bayou executive chef prepares for NOFWE tasting event and competition

Photo courtesy of Cypress Bayou

Executive chef Scott McCue of Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel is the only chef from Acadiana competing in this year's Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off on Saturday, May 24 in New Orleans.

Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel's executive chef Scott McCue will compete at this year's Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off in conjunction with the New Orleans Food and Wine Experience series of events. The cook-off is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at 1 p.m. in the Morial Convention Center as part of Saturday's Grand tasting event.

The cook-off is McCue and nine other Louisiana chefs' chance to show off their abilities to create a flavor full dish utilizing various gems of Louisiana's waterways.

"It's an honor to be selected as one of only 10 chefs from throughout the state to compete at this event. I love food and creating new exciting ways to present it to my guests. To be singled out as one of the exceptional seafood chefs in a state that is world renowned for its seafood is humbling. I look forward to the competition and putting my creativity to the test," said McCue in a recent press release.

McCue is an Arizona native who trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and has worked in various restaurants and resorts but is known for moving to Louisiana in 1995 to help establish Mr. Lester's Steakhouse - the elegant restaurant at Cypress Bayou Casino Hotel that serves perfectly cooked prime beef and fresh seafood. In 2011 McCue became executive chef and oversees the nine kitchens at the Charenton resort with cuisine ranging from casual sandwiches to fried seafood to steak house fare.

Since 2000, McCue has made a name for himself in various culinary competitions and earned 115 medal to date: 47 gold, 39 silver, 29 bronze and Best of Show winner in Culinary Classic competitions in Shreveport, Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Here's wishing the best of luck to one of Acadiana's own next weekend.

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