News Summary
Karlos Knott has been awarded the title of 2025 King of Louisiana Seafood at a ceremony in Slidell, Louisiana. The competition featured 12 chefs showcasing their culinary skills. Knott, known for his innovative approach to Cajun cuisine, impressed judges with his dish featuring Roman-style pizza and butter-poached shrimp. His victory highlights the state’s rich seafood heritage and sets the stage for his participation in the upcoming Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
Slidell, Louisiana – Karlos Knott has been named the 2025 King of Louisiana Seafood during a celebratory ceremony at The Harbor Center on June 27, 2025. The competition featured 12 talented chefs from across the state, all vying for this prestigious title. Knott, the founder of Bayou Teche Brewing and executive chef at Cajun Saucer Pizza, impressed the judges with his signature dish, “All Roads Lead to Arnaudville,” which showcased a Roman-style pizza topped with butter-poached Louisiana shrimp.
The award ceremony marked a significant event in Louisiana’s culinary scene, reflecting the state’s rich seafood heritage. Knott’s victory is not only a personal achievement but also a victory for the local culinary community, as he faces off against talented peers in a highly competitive environment.
Karlos Knott has a unique background that adds depth to his culinary achievements. A former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout stationed in Germany, he developed a passion for craft beer during his time in Europe. This passion led him to establish Bayou Teche Brewing in 2009, which laid the groundwork for his culinary endeavors. In 2018, following Louisiana’s legalization of restaurant breweries, Knott opened Cajun Saucer, where he creatively blends Italian-style pizza with the distinctive flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
As the newly crowned King of Louisiana Seafood, Knott’s first official responsibility will be to represent the state at the 21st annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off to be held in New Orleans on August 2, 2025. This annual event is a celebration of seafood excellence, showcasing the expertise of chefs from across the nation. In addition, he will serve as a Louisiana Ambassador for seafood over the next year, promoting the state’s seafood industry and culinary talent.
The Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off was part of a larger culinary festival, the Tammany Taste of Summer, presented by Visit the Northshore. This year marked the first time the competition was held on the Northshore, highlighting the area’s growing reputation for gourmet seafood and culinary events. Participants included several other prominent chefs from different regions of Louisiana, all dedicated to elevating the state’s seafood presence on a national scale.
Knott’s unexpected triumph at the cook-off mirrors the aspirations of many chefs in Louisiana, as it highlights the creativity and talent that thrive in the state’s food culture. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, chefs like Knott contribute to a culinary landscape that celebrates Louisiana’s unique flavors.
The King of Louisiana Seafood title is a coveted recognition that lends significant visibility to the winner as they promote local seafood products and culinary innovation. Knott’s culinary journey from military service to becoming a champion in the kitchen exemplifies the diverse paths that lead to success in the culinary field in Louisiana.
As food enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming Great American Seafood Cook-Off, Karlos Knott’s victory promises to inspire both seasoned chefs and budding culinary talents across Louisiana. The event will serve as an opportunity for Knott to showcase his winning dish and the flavors of his home state on a national platform.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KADN News
- Louisiana Radio Network
- The Advocate
- Wikipedia: Louisiana Seafood
- KLFY News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seafood
