LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM ANNOUNCES 2025 YEAR OF FOOD AT NEW YORK CITY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Office of Tourism (LOT) and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced 2025 will be the Year of Food, celebrating all the unique cuisine of the state. To kick off the campaign, LOT sponsored the New York City Wine & Food Festival by hosting a jazz brunch featuring Chef Justin Girouard of The French Press in Lafayette, Louisiana.

James Beard-nominated Chef Girouard was paired with Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser of New York to create a stunning brunch menu inspired by the flavors and fresh seafood of Louisiana. The brunch was held Sunday, October 20, at La Marchande – a modernized French restaurant in Manhattan.

"We're excited to announce our Year of Food for 2025. Louisiana's food is like nothing else in the world. From boudin to beignets and gumbo to shrimp creole, our rich history and culture can be tasted in every bite," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "All throughout 2025 we'll be inviting visitors to Louisiana to taste all the ways you can Feed Your Soul."

While in New York, LOT met with media to provide more information and inspiration for Louisiana food-inspired content. LOT was joined by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission.

The Year of Food will feature specialized advertising targeting food-inspired travelers with messaging about Louisiana's culinary scene throughout 2025. LOT will also participate in domestic and international food festivals to showcase Louisiana flavors. The Year of Food follows the 2024 Year of Music, which LOT has been celebrating with music festival activations and targeted messaging.

"The very names of our food demonstrate our cultural influences from France, Spain, West Africa, Germany, the Caribbean and many more," said Doug Bourgeois, Assistant Secretary of Tourism. "Andouille, corn maque choux, jambalaya – Louisiana food not only tastes unique, but it also sounds like our storied past. We encourage visitors to come immerse themselves in the flavor and history of Louisiana."

To learn more about Louisiana's culinary culture and where you can taste signature Louisiana dishes, visit FindYourLouisianaFlavor.com.

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