A taste of New Orleans came to the Jersey Shore on Monday as hundreds gathered at The Point Tiki Bar for the annual Jersey Gumbo Cook-Off & Louisiana Music Festival.
Hosted by Tony Mart Presents, the event featured an afternoon of unlimited gumbo tastings, live music and friendly culinary competition as local chefs vied for the coveted title of 2026 Gumbo King.
Executive Chef Philip Gormley of Smithville Inn successfully defended his title, earning the judges’ top honor with his signature lobster gumbo, a rich, creamy creation infused with Cajun spices.
The People’s Choice Award went to Chef Ryan Bakley for his smoked Cajun sausage and chicken gumbo, which proved to be a crowd favorite during the public tasting.
The competition featured a diverse field of chefs, each putting a unique spin on the Louisiana classic. Executive Chef David Goldstein of the American Culinary Federation Chefs Association of South Jersey prepared a traditional chicken and sausage gumbo using his signature spice blend. Chef Mohammad of The Golden Pyramid showcased Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, while Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar returned as a former People’s Choice winner. Northend Grill made its competition debut with a barbecue-inspired gumbo, and retired surgeon Dr. Raymond Talucci of Wildwood Crest entered the event with his own original recipe.
In addition to the culinary competition, guests enjoyed more than six hours of live entertainment celebrating the sounds of New Orleans. Soul Project NOLA headlined the festival with its signature blend of funk, R&B and Crescent City rhythms. South Jersey favorite Dead Reckoning also performed, joined by Margate accordionist Malcolm Tent. The Plaid Salmon Horns added to the festive atmosphere with a lively second-line-style performance.
Festivalgoers sampled a variety of gumbos throughout the afternoon before judges selected the overall winner. The event concluded with live music overlooking Somers Point’s historic bayfront, continuing a tradition that has become one of the region’s signature summer food and music festivals.
Photos by Steffen Klenk.
