Get Cooking at Our 2025 Crusader Cook-Off

November 16, 2025

The Terrace/The Backyard at Brother Martin High School

Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Judging begins at Noon • Award Ceremony at 2:00 P.M.

Cornhole Tournament - Walk-up registration closes at 9:30 a.m.
The Tournament begins at 10:00 a.m.

All Brother Martin families, friends, and alumni are invited to enjoy the 2025 Crusader Cook-Off Challenge, food, and fun on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the backyard of Brother Martin’s campus.

Admission for adults 21 and older is $25, for students $10, and for kids under 12 years old, admission is free. Walk-Ups Welcome - $30 at the door.

All guests will vote for their favorite culinary dish to determine the coveted “People’s Choice Award,” and the judges will vote to determine who will be honored with the “Judges Gold Medal Award.”  In addition, all guests 21 and over are invited to vote for their favorite Homebrew.

Celebrity Guest judges scheduled to attend include:

  • Tom Branighan, Jr. ’05 Chef/Owner, MaMou
  • Carlo Clesi ’95 Owner, Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering
  • James Clesi ’98 Owner, Clesi’s Seafood Restaurant & Catering
  • Scot Craig ’80 Owner, Katie’s Restaurant/Francesca by Katie’s
  • Tisbee Dantin Owner, Rock ‘n’ Sake
  • Pauly Dauterive ’85 Research and Developement Director, Magic Seasoning Blends
  • Allison Copeland Donnelly Senior Vice President, Al Copeland Investments, Restaurant Division
  • Derrick Dunne Area Leader, Raising Cane’s
  • C.J. Fiorella Owner, The Original Fiorella’s Cafe
  • Kelly Fiorella Owner, The Original Fiorella’s Cafe
  • Alex Heath ’08 Owner, Alexander’s Meals
  • Eddie Jacobs '81 CEO, NOLA Hotel Group
  • John Lalla ’85 Owner/Managing Partner, NATCO Food Service
  • Vance Vaucresson ’87 Owner, Vaucresson Sausage Company
  • Donald Welty ’84 Owner, Welty’s Deli & Catering

Past Winning Dishes

  • Halloumi Slider
  • Crispy Pork Belly Beignets
  • Smoked Pork & Chutney Grill Cheese
  • Corn and Crab Bisque
  • 3 Piggy Pork
  • Crawfish Boil Rangoons Spicy
  • Asian Pork Lettuce Wrap
  • Shredded Brisket Tacos
  • Candy Bacon Bao

In addition, an assortment of door and cash prizes will be available at the Cook-Off. Attendees will also be treated to hamburgers, hotdogs, beverages, and desserts. Cash, checks, and credit/debit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Crusader Cook-Off Committee

Beth Bowman
Judy and Rusty Buckman
Erin and Joe Caruso ’79
Brian Castanza
Lenee and Dan Crowley ’98
Melissa Gallagher
Dennis Gerarve, Jr.
Emily Hardin
Mary Beth and Jeff Haro ’74
Alaina Hudson
Elissa Maxwell
Sheila and Ron Messina ’63
Stephen Messonnier ’82
Cindy and Jerry Moll ’73
Beverly and Tim Napier
Robbie Rabb
Erica Rodriguez
Beth and Patrick Scariano ’94
Jennifer Spellman
Debbie and Roni Sumich
Paula and Paul Trentacosta
Cissy and Ray Yakelis
Marie and Steve Yost

Event Registration

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