Back to Bourbon & Better Than Ever
2025 Got Gumbo? Cook-Off Serves Up Community, Cuisine & Celebration
We headed Back to Bourbon on Wednesday evening for the 23rd Annual Got Gumbo? Cook-Off, where the French Quarter was back to life with the smell of simmering roux and the sounds of a community showing up for its own. Held at The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, this year’s event invited attendees to come Back to Bourbon—for the food and to show support for our city’s hospitality workers and businesses affected by the New Year’s Day attack.
Hosted by United Way of Southeast Louisiana, the night served up more than just gumbo. It was a reminder of the strength, generosity, and flavor that make this city unlike anywhere else.
Chefs from Annunciation Restaurant, Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter - Astor, Desire Oyster Bar, Hilton Riverside New Orleans, Loyola Catering, New Orleans Marriott, Oceana Grill, Restaurant R’evolution, and The Royal Sonesta New Orleans competed for Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Décor.
We extend a big congratulations to our 2025 winners.
Krewe de Gumbo Celebrity Judge Awards
- Best Traditional Gumbo: Hilton Riverside New Orleans
- Best Seafood Gumbo: Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter - Astor
- Best Exotic Gumbo: Restaurant R’evolution
New Orlean’s Marriot swept The People’s Choice Awards for Best Gumbo, Best Dessert, and Best Table Décor.
From rich roux to spicy seafood and everything in between, our chefs brought the heat and the heart.
View Photos from the Event
Click here to view our full event photo gallery and relive all the delicious fun
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Supporters
We’re deeply grateful to the presenting sponsors who helped make this night possible: Chalmette Refining—PBF Energy and Gallo Mechanical, along with Pan American Life Insurance Group, the Chef’s Special Sponsor.
A heartfelt thanks also goes to our panel of judges, who took on the tough job of tasting dozens of gumbos to help crown this year’s champions.
Chef Isaac Toups | Toups' Meatery and Toups' Family Meal, Dylan O'Donnell, aka, Doctor Gumbo | Doctor Gumbo Tours, Elizabeth Ellison-Frost | Chalmette Refining - PBF Energy
Kevin Brown | Gallo Mechanical, Michael Jackson | Delta Utilities, Captain Stephanie Minto | Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, Rob Hatley | Entergy Corporation
We also extend our sincere appreciation to The Royal Sonesta New Orleans for graciously hosting us once again in the heart of the French Quarter and to every attendee who came out to support United Way and help bring energy and love back to Bourbon Street.
We’re grateful to every restaurant that joined us this year, generously donating their time, talent, and top-tier gumbo to make the event a success. Your creativity and commitment to the community were on full display with every bite.
United is the Way forward,
Michael Williamson
President & CEO
United Way of Southeast Louisiana
Help Us Keep the Work Going
Missed the event or just feeling inspired? Support our work year-round by making a donation to help hospitality workers and families thrive across Southeast Louisiana.