Top U.S. chefs to gather for Sixth Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off

The country's best 50 chefs will gather in New Orleans on July 18 and 19 for the 2009 Great American Seafood Cook-Off, presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.

Chefs compete at the 2008 Great American Seafood Cook Off.

The event, which takes place during the 56th annual Louisiana Foodservice Expo, underscores the importance of cooking with domestic seafood and encourages the use of products from sustainable fisheries. The 50 participating chefs in the cook-off represent each U.S. state and are appointed by their state governor. Twelve states have registered chefs so far, with Louisiana being represented by Commander's Palace chef Tory McPhail.

For more information, visit www.greatamericanseafoodcookoff.com.