Acadia Parish’s Wayne Toups Performed at “Taste Louisiana in New York City”

NEW YORK, NY (press release) – Local Grammy Award-winning artist Wayne Toups, sponsored by Acadia Parish Tourism, performed at “Taste Louisiana in New York City” on Oct. 28 at Chelsea Market. 

The event included food from 11 Louisiana Chefs in a collaborative effort from the Louisiana Travel Association, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, Acadia Parish Tourism and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.

Additionally, event attendees sipped on drinks from Louisiana brands and listened to music by Wayne Toups and David St. Romain.

“Taste Louisiana in New York City” and its lineup of chefs inspired travel by giving New Yorkers a preview of the flavor waiting for them when they travel to Louisiana.

Chef Christopher Anderson, Restaurant Revolution, New Orleans by Acadia Parish Tourism

Participating chefs included:

Alon Shaya, Pomegranate Hospitality, New Orleans

Shaya is a 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

Chase Raley’s 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

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.

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

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 is 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.

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.