Lafayette Chef Heads to National Seafood Championship After Louisiana Victory

(LAFAYETTE, LA) - Chef Kris Allen of Pamplona Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Lafayette will represent Louisiana at the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off on Saturday, July 25, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Allen earned his spot by winning the title of King of Louisiana Seafood at the 19th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off in Jefferson Parish on June 26.

via Louisiana Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism

Allen is South Louisiana through and through. He grew up spending time on his father's shrimp boat and in his grandmother Cynthia's kitchen, picking up the techniques and flavors that shape Louisiana cooking. That background shows up in how he talks about food: fresh ingredients, local seafood, and respect for tradition.

About the 22nd Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off

He will be one of 13 chefs from across the country competing for the national title, each representing their home state with a signature seafood dish. The competition kicks off with opening ceremonies at 11 a.m., with the first chef starting to cook at 11:30 a.m. Judges will score the dishes on presentation, creativity, composition, craftsmanship, and flavor. Chef Cory Bahr, a Food Network Star finalist and former King of Louisiana Seafood, will co-host alongside KLFY's Gerald Gruenig.

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Previous Louisiana Winners of the Great American Seafood Cook-Off

Allen is chasing a title Louisiana has claimed before. Past Louisiana winners of the competition include:

• Nathan Richard, 2019
• Ryan Trahan, 2018
• Tory McPhail, 2009

Louisiana has a real track record in this competition, and Allen has a chance to add Lafayette to that list this year.

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The reigning champ is Chef Wesley True of Inman Social in Cleveland, Tennessee, who won the 2025 title with a fried catfish dish featuring herb aioli, smoked trout roe, hot sauce vinaigrette, and peaches. That is the bar Allen and the rest of the field will be trying to clear.
Winners will be announced after the competition wraps up on July 25.