We dusted off our gumbo bowls to celebrate the return of United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s “Got Gumbo?” Cook-Off, hosted in partnership with the Royal Sonesta New Orleans on March 28, 2023.
Last held in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic, the sights and smells of first-rate chefs and restaurants putting their best gumbos and desserts up against the competition filled the Sonesta’s ballroom once again. View our photo gallery to see pictures of this annual parade of gumbo.
Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Chalmette Refining, and Green Sponsor, Zachry Group, for their support of this special night.
Our Krewe de Gumbo panel of judges presented awards for the Best Traditional Gumbo, Best Exotic Gumbo, and Best Seafood Gumbo. The esteemed judges (pictured, l to r) included Tulane Football Head Coach Willie Fritz, foodie and social media influencer Emily Smith, UWSELA Campaign Cabinet Chair Ronnie Slone, Elizabeth Ellison-Frost with Chalmette Refining, and Patty Riddlebarger with Entergy, with UWSELA's Michael Williamson.
We also let the people decide! Attendees voted for the People’s Choice awards of Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Table Decorations.
Proceeds from the event will support UWSELA's mission to eradicate poverty through our gumbo of services that focus on the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community we serve.
2023 Winners Include…
JUDGES’ CHOICE FOR BEST TRADITIONAL GUMBO
Tulane University Resident Dining
Floyd’s Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Chef Floyd Montgomery
JUDGES’ CHOICE FOR BEST SEAFOOD GUMBO
New Orleans Marriott
Seafood Gumbo by Chef Tyra Wilson
2ND PLACE FOR BEST SEAFOOD GUMBO
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Gulf Gumbo by Chef Delvin Davis and Chef Carole L. Davis
JUDGES’ CHOICE FOR BEST EXOTIC GUMBO
Bonfire Events + Catering
Roasted Duck & Smoked Sausage Gumbo, Potato Salad by Chef Amy Mehrtens
2ND PLACE FOR BEST EXOTIC GUMBO
Restaurant R’evolution
Smoked Sausage and Seafood Gumbo by Chef Christopher Anderson
PEOPLE’S CHOICE FOR BEST GUMBO
New Orleans Marriott
PEOPLE’S CHOICE FOR BEST DESSERTS
Annunciation Restaurant
Chocolate Truffle by Chef Jose Castaneda
PEOPLE’S CHOICE FOR BEST TABLE DECORATIONS
New Orleans Sheraton