Cast Iron Cook Off – Success!

Thousands feasted as 28 teams clashed over sizzling cast iron meals in downtown Houma.

The Cast Iron Cook Off was deemed a success as thousands flocked to devour meals and desserts crafted by 28 teams competing for prizes including the Myers McAllister People’s Choice Award, Saturday, February 8th. The event was hosted the Rotary Club of Houma, presented by Peoples Drug Store

“The weather was perfect and they wiped us clean,” said Andre Brunet, of Peoples Drug Store and also a member of the Rotary Club of Houma.

Brunet was referring to the southwest chili being cooked at Peoples Drug Store’s tent. James Lecompte stood by the cast iron pot, and when asked how it went, he lifted the lid, “great, all the chilis gone.”

Along Goode Street, the 28 teams huddled under each of their tents, cooking meals over cast iron vessels. Each team competed in one of three categories: meat/game, seafood, or desert.

Patrick Serpas and his three sons played beanbag toss after trying the food. Patrick said he voted on jambalaya, but after the cajun burritos, he realized he voted too soon.

“The cajun burritos were good too. I cast my vote before I ate that one,” he said. “I cast it too soon.”

His son, Immanuel Serpas, said his favorite was a different jambalaya. 

“I liked the red one,” he said pointing at a tent. “It had chicken and pork, and beef.”

Synergy Bank won the Myer McAllister People’s Choice award for their Colonels Retreat Pork Sliders, to which Kassie Barrancotto, team member, said they served 500 people.

“We love the People’s Choice Award because it’s why we’re here,” she said. “To serve the people.”

Congratulations to all winners:

Meat/Game Category:
1st Place: Triple B’s (Cajun Burritos)
2nd Place: Team Rise and Grind Meat (Pork, Sausage, Mushroom Stew)

Dessert Category:
1st Place: Rotary Rooters (Brownie Surprise)
2nd Place: How You Like Them Apples? (Apple Pie)