On Sunday, October 20, Alumni, family, and friends enjoyed the 2024 Crusader Cook-Off presented by Raising Cane’s. More than 700 attendees enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie in the backyard.
Nineteen cooking teams competed and ten homebrews were entered vying for top honors in the judging and “People’s Choice” awards. Rockin R Brew & Q was named “Top Chef” with their “Candy Bacon Bao”. The team featured David Diket ’98, Melanie Diket, Tung Nguyen, Darrell Ridge, Judy Ridge, and Patrick Ridge ’24. Crescent City Couyons won the People’s Choice with their “Sauced-up Shrimp”.
Sal Maffei and Maffei Farms and his Raspberry Dopple Bock was awarded “Master Brewer,” and Team Weisse with their Citrus Wheat won the “People’s Choice” award.
1st Place
Rockin R Brew & Q - Candy Bacon Bao
Judy Ridge, Patrick Ridge ’24, Darrell Ridge, David Diket ’98, Melanie Diket, Tung Nguyen.
2nd Place
Crusader Tailgate Krewe - Smoked Duck Quesadillas
George Malek '92, Dave Fisette, John McDonald, Robbie Rabb, Dennis Gerarve, Charlie Natividad
3rd Place
Crescent City Couyons - Sauced Up Shrimp
Lee Lafleur '94, Roddy Palazzo '95, David Klein '90, Bob Vorhoff '82, Brian Soileau '95, Dwayne Aucoin'96, Henry Aucoin '28, Mike Morris, Max Morris
People’s Choice
Crescent City Couyons - Sauced Up Shrimp
Lee Lafleur '94, Roddy Palazzo '95, David Klein '90, Bob Vorhoff '82, Brian Soileau '95, Dwayne Aucoin'96, Henry Aucoin '28, Mike Morris, Max Morris
Crusader Spirit Award
Roux and Brew
Andrew Woodroof '03, Jerermy Mipro '03, Jack Uhle '03, Taylor Gilbert '03, Chris Hebert '03
Presenting Sponsor
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
Master Chef Sponsors
Hancock Whitney
Fleur de Lis Event Rental - Mike Cascio ’96
Francesca by Katie’s/Katies Restaurant - Scot Craig ’80
Schiro’s School Time Uniforms
Cissy & Ray Yakelis
