Madonna Broussard, owner and chef of Laura's II, has been named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for "Best Chef: South." The nomination recognizes her dedication to preserving and elevating traditional flavors loved in Lafayette and beyond.
The James Beard Awards, often called the "Oscars of the culinary world," celebrate the finest chefs, restaurants, and food professionals nationwide. Broussard's inclusion among the 2025 semifinalists places her rightfully alongside some of the most talented chefs from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico.
When asked about the nomination, Madonna Broussard shared, "We are honored to be named a James Beard semifinalist! We proudly represent Louisiana, raised on rice and gravy."
“We are thrilled to see Madonna Broussard and Laura’s II receive this well-deserved recognition from the James Beard Foundation,” says Ben Berthelot, President & CEO of Lafayette Travel. “Her dedication to preserving the rich culinary traditions of Lafayette while sharing the flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine with the world is truly inspiring. This nomination not only highlights her incredible talent but also shines a spotlight on Lafayette’s dynamic food scene. We couldn’t be prouder to have her represent our community nationally.”
The 2025 James Beard Awards finalists will be announced on April 2, and winners will be recognized at a ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, IL. For more information about Laura's II, view the video below.