Gumbo Competitors

Do you have what it takes to be the Brews & Roux champion?

Get ready to bring the flavors of Louisiana at the inaugural Brews and Roux, a thrilling gumbo competition happening at Flying Heart Brewing and Pub in West Monroe! This free event invites food lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike to indulge in a culinary showdown featuring the best gumbo recipes from local chefs and home cooks.

  Date: February 21, 2026
  Time: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  Location: Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, 204 Commerce St., West Monroe, LA
  FREE admission

For just $10, attendees can receive four sample cups that are 4-oz each and a voting token to help crown the champion of gumbo! Taste your way through an array of unique and traditional gumbo creations, then cast your vote for the best dish.

Prizes: Winners will take home cash prizes, a coveted trophy, and, of course, bragging rights for the best gumbo in town!

Rules and Regulations

Event Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026 

Event Location: The event is located at Flying Heart Brewing & Pub at 204 Commerce Street, West Monroe, LA 71291.  

Team Registration: One (1) Category $50.00 / Two (2) Categories $50.00 + $10.00 ($60.00) / Three (3) Categories $50.00 + $20.00 ($70.00)

Team Spaces: Each team will be assigned to a 10 x 10 space, which includes two (2) tables and two (2) chairs. Limited electricity will be provided for cooking purposes only. 

Supplied Items: Flying Heart Brewing & Pub will provide 4 oz. sampling cups, tasting utensils, and napkins. Flying Heart Brewing & Pub will NOT provide rice. 

Team Supplies: Each team will need to provide their own cooking equipment, including gas cookers. Each team must bring their own ladles for serving gumbo. 

Gumbo: Gumbo MUST be prepared on site. There will be 3 categories for judging: Seafood, Chicken/Sausage, and Lagniappe (any protein that is not seafood, chicken/sausage). Roux MUST be made from scratch on site. Do NOT use powdered or jar roux. Other ingredients, such as protein, veggies, and stock may be prepared in advance. Spices and secret ingredients may be used for seasoning purposes. Teams must prepare a minimum of 3 gallons of gumbo and provide their own rice. Teams are required to provide samples (approx. 4 oz. cup) of their gumbo to the public (in the provided cups). Teams will collect one (1) ticket for each sample given.  

Check-in: Check-in and set-up begin at 6:00 a.m. Please check with the Event Coordinator upon arrival. Teams must have their areas ready to go by 11:30 a.m. The competition will be open to the public at noon.  

Team Captains: Each team will designate a team captain, who is responsible for ensuring that each assigned area is kept clean, garage is disposed of in proper area, and judging sample is taken to the designated area at the proper times. Cooking conditions are subject to inspection. 

Requirements and Safety Guidelines:  
-No glass bottles and/or glass containers will be allowed in the cook-off area. 
-Gloves must be worn by team members that are serving food. 
-A minimum of 3 gallons of each gumbo entered must be prepared. 
-Teams may listen to music before the event starts, but after Noon, no music may be played by the teams. Live music will be playing at the event. 
-Please ensure your area is clean and trash has been removed from your site before leaving. Please have your area vacated by 6:30 p.m. 
-Flying Heart Brewing & Pub has the right to refuse or accept any application. 

Judging Process: Numbered containers for judging gumbo will be provided by Flying Heart Brewing & Pub. Event staff/volunteers will pick up judging containers at approximately 11:15 a.m. for judging. Public votes will be taken at your booth in a designated container with their voting token. 

Judging Criteria:  
Appearance: Has a good gumbo roux color appropriate to the category of gumbo 
Aroma: Smell is appetizing 
Consistency: Stirs like a good gumbo (thickness of base, etc.) 
Texture: Balanced quantity of ingredients 
Flavor: Tastes like a well-balanced gumbo, pleasing to the plate.  

People’s Choice is voted on with tokens. Each person who purchases sampling tickets will receive one (1) voting token. Tokens will be taken up at 3:30 p.m. to be counted.  

Winners will be announced at approximately 4:00 p.m. 

Awards: 
Awards will be given in the following categories: 
Judges Awards: 1st Place Seafood: $300.00 & Trophy 
1st Place Chicken/Sausage: $300.00 & Trophy 
1st Place Lagniappe: $300.00 & Trophy 

People’s Choice:  1st Place: $200.00 & Trophy 
2nd & 3rd Place: Trophy