Heroes Who Cook 2025
Sixteen celebrity and restaurant duos will compete in Covington on Sunday, November 2, when the 2025 Heroes Who Cook fundraiser returns to benefit the Children's Advocacy Center, Hope House.
Previously called "Men Who Cook," the Northshore's annual culinary competition will be held from 4-7 p.m. on the rooftop of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center Parking Garage. Each team pairs a local leader with a top restaurant to prepare gourmet tastings for attendees, who can enjoy food samples alongside complimentary wine and beer. The evening will also feature live music from Groovy 7, a live auction, and an online auction open to the public in October.
Chefs & Calebs
Teams will compete for Judges' Choice, People's Choice, and Most Money Raised for Hope House. This year's lineup includes Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser with Tchefuncte's, Matthew Bernard and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, DA Collin Sims with Tavi, Sheriff Randy Smith with DiCristina's, and Gabe Arnoult and Kevin Alario, and Desi Vega's Steakhouse, among others.
The full list of teams includes:
- Adam Acquistapace and Acquistapace's
- Gabe Arnoult and Kevin Alario, and Desi Vega's Steakhouse
- Dr. Matthew Bernard and Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
- Anthony Rutledge and Connor Brown, and Farm to Fire
- Michael Cochran and Pardos
- Senator Beth Mizell and Joan Coffman, and Bon Sake
- Scott Discon and Sweet Olive Market & Bakery
- Michele Echols and Valencia
- Bradley Cook and Rory Gallardo, and The Reminding Coffee & Creative House
- Nick and Patrice LaRocca, and Roux 25
- Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Tchefuncte's
- Dr. Jason O'Rear and The Hampshire
- DA Collin Sims and Tavi
- Sheriff Randy Smith and DiCristina's
- Jared Miguez and John Stephens, and Meribo
- Jennifer Nolen and Brian Upshaw, and Haven Coffee and Cocktails
Tickets and tables will go on sale on September 1, which are available at tickettailor.com.
Hope House
Hope House serves as the only local agency providing forensic interviews and free counseling to child abuse victims in St. Tammany and Washington parishes. In 2024, the nonprofit assisted more than 600 children, conducted over 500 interviews, and facilitated more than 3,000 counseling sessions. Heroes Who Cook remains its largest annual fundraiser.
For more information about Heroes Who Cook, visit cachopehouse.org.
