An innovative new cooking series, Louisiana Coastal Cooking, is set to premiere on WYES-TV, a PBS-affiliated station. This 13-episode series dives into the rich flavors of Southeast Louisiana while highlighting the importance of coastal restoration efforts. Featuring renowned chefs and home cooks, the program showcases sustainable recipes inspired by the Mississippi River Delta. Viewers can enjoy the series starting April 5 at 9:00 a.m., with episodes airing weekly and available online through various platforms. The initiative aims not only to celebrate local cuisine but also to raise awareness about the environmental challenges faced by the region’s unique ecosystems.

The show's concept was born from a desire to intertwine food culture with the pressing need for coastal preservation. Each episode embarks on a journey through Louisiana’s vibrant culinary landscape, featuring dishes that reflect the state's diverse ingredients. Renowned chefs such as John Folse, Michael Nelson, and Dickie Brennan join forces with passionate home cooks to create over 30 mouthwatering recipes. These creations range from Creole White Beans and Shrimp to Red Snapper Tempura Fry, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the region's gastronomic heritage. Beyond the kitchen, the series ventures into the heart of Louisiana’s coastal communities, exploring shrimp boats, oyster farms, and even tribal lands where traditions are safeguarded against encroaching waters.

A key highlight of the series involves educational excursions like the "Chefs on Boats" trip, which provides insight into seafood sourcing practices. Additionally, viewers will witness firsthand how innovative technologies are reshaping traditional fishing methods, ensuring sustainability for future generations. One standout episode features restaurateur Dickie Brennan visiting the Pointe-au-Chien tribe in Montegut, Louisiana. There, he collaborates with elders Theresa and Donald Dardar to prepare meals while discussing their efforts to protect sacred sites using recycled oyster shells.

To mark the launch of this groundbreaking series, WYES invites the public to an exclusive event on March 29. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the inaugural episode before its official release, meet featured chefs, and savor samples of the showcased dishes. Tickets for the event, priced at $30 per person, contribute to funding future projects by WYES. Produced by Terri Landry and executive produced by Jim Moriarty, Louisiana Coastal Cooking builds upon the station’s legacy of acclaimed cooking programs, including works featuring Leah Chase, Kevin Belton, and Paul Prudhomme.

This new series serves as both a tribute to Louisiana’s culinary prowess and a call to action for preserving its fragile coastline. By blending tradition with innovation, it offers audiences a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between food, culture, and environment. As viewers tune in each week, they will not only be treated to delectable recipes but also inspired to support initiatives aimed at protecting one of America’s most cherished natural treasures.