By Donna Richardson
| Explore Louisiana’s latest appearance, in association with local partners New Orleans and Ascension Parish, marks their third year of sponsoring the culinary event. |
| Following the runaway success of their previous two sponsorships of the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival in London, Explore Louisiana has once again stepped up to the hotplate to bring food and travel inspiration to the UK capital. Held each July, the popular two-day weekend event, run by the publishers of National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine, has become a mainstay on the capital’s culinary calendar, with last year’s event attracting more than 7,000 visitors over the two days. Famed for flavoursome Cajun and Creole dishes such as Gumbo and Étouffée, Louisiana’s bountiful local produce has spawned myriad culinary events such as Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival and Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Moreover, Louisiana is America’s ‘go to’ state for regional food trails. Festivalgoers looking to savour a taste of the state are encouraged to swing by Explore Louisiana’s stand. Here, a duo of celebrated Louisiana chefs will take it in turns to cook up a storm and share tastings of mouthwatering local dishes, when not entertaining the crowds with live cooking demos in the masterclass theatres. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy free tastings of Bayou Rum® on the stand. Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary at Explore Louisiana, who will be heading up the Louisiana delegation, said: “Louisianans are intensely proud of our rich culinary traditions, which form an indelible link to our unique culture and history, borne of diverse influences, from French and Spanish to Caribbean and German. Food also forms the backbone of the state’s 400+ annual festivals, and it’s not for nothing one of our favoured taglines is ‘Louisiana – Feed Your Soul’!” While Explore Louisiana’s previous appearances at the show have been a great success, Bourgeois expects this year’s event to feel all the more special, in light of recent developments.“Since declaring 2025 The Year of Food in the state, Explore Louisiana has received some very appetising accolades,” noted Bourgeois. “Time Out’s crowning of New Orleans as ‘the food capital of the world’, back in March, was a definite highpoint. And Louisiana’s prominent featuring in the new Michelin Guide to the American South – the first such regional guide in North America – was another. And with the state’s Michelin Star ratings set to be announced this November, our return to the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival is perfect timing!”While Bourgeois remained tight-lipped about the Louisiana dishes visitors can expect to enjoy at this year’s event, he did reveal the names of the two visiting chefs the delegation will be bringing with them, namely Tyler Spreen and Jeremy Langlois. Originally from central Illinois, Chef Tyler Spreen began working in restaurants from the age of 15. Having moved to New Orleans in 2016 with his family, Tyler worked at eateries such as Rebirth before transferring to Herbsaint, where he has held the position of Chef de Cuisine since 2021. Having found his home at Houmas House Estate and Gardens back in 2004, Chef Jeremy Langlois oversees the operation of three restaurants on the property as Executive Chef, including Latil’s Landing Restaurant. Louisiana-born and raised, Chef Langlois is a veteran of TV cookery show appearances and food article contributions. Known for his inventive approach to Cajun and Creole cuisine, his signature dishes reflect his deep commitment to sustainable sourcing, and he’s a passionate advocate for children’s nutrition. Among those joining Bourgeois at this year’s event, as part of the Explore Louisiana delegation, will be Jennifer Berthelot, Director of Communications, Explore Louisiana; Diana Hernandez, Senior Manager of International Communications and Public Relations, New Orleans & Company; and Tracy Browning and Mike Bonfanti, representing Louisiana’s Ascension Parish. As well as all this, renowned chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Andi Oliver will headline this year’s festival. Ottolenghi, making his festival debut, is acclaimed for his innovative Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Oliver, a festival favourite, returns for her fourth appearance, bringing her vibrant culinary style to the stage. We’re also excited to welcome chef Asma Khan, known for her authentic Indian cuisine and storytelling through food. Join us for a weekend of food, culture, and conversation, where world-class chefs and experts share their craft. Reserve your place now and experience the flavours, stories, and skills that shape the way we eat. |
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