By Michael McClung.

The third annual “Flavor of Louisiana” extravaganza is returning to NSU’s Prather Coliseum at 6 p.m. on Friday.

The event, hosted by NSU and The Louisiana Seafood Board, showcases specialty seafood dishes from restaurants in Natchitoches and Shreveport such as Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, Merci Beaucoup, and Savoie’s The Catering Place.

Dishes served in the event include marinated crab fingers, seafood gumbo, shrimp creole, seafood lasagna, and more.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser will attend the event as well as NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and wife Jennifer Maggio.

“I enjoy having the opportunity to taste a variety of seafood dishes from so many amazing chefs in our town and state,” Jennifer Maggio said.

Jill P. Bankston, Associate Director of Development at NSU, said that the event also includes involvement from students at the Hospitality Management & Tourism department.

“There are students from HMT who are volunteering to help serve our guests for this fundraiser, as well as other students from Blue Key, President’s Leadership Program, and Purple Jackets,” she said.

Taljare Tolbert, a sophomore Culinary student, sees the event as a great opportunity for the future.

“As a student, I hope to gain more experience in the culinary field as well as gaining more knowledge on Louisiana based food and meals,” Tolbert said. “I would also love to network and meet great people who I hope to run into in the future of my own works.”

The event will be business casual and will feature music provided by Leonard Sarpy.

Students are welcome to the event and tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling 357-5699 by Wednesday evening.

Admission is $65 for one or $125 for two. The proceeds go to NSU faculty, scholarships, and campus programs.