Al Roker’s love for food is no secret. The beloved TODAY show co-host, who has also penned several cookbooks,

never misses an opportunity to showcase his passion for good eats.
This week, Roker, along with Dylan Dreyer and Craig Melvin, took TODAY on the road to New Orleans in anticipation of Mardi Gras
—and the trio fully immersed themselves in the city’s vibrant culture.

One of the highlights of their visit was an exciting crawfish peeling contest at the French Market.

As the three hosts sat down for a lively crawfish boil, a crowd gathered to cheer them on.

The friendly competition had each of them racing to peel the most crawfish as quickly as possible.
While all three were eager participants, Roker’s technique and enthusiasm stood out, earning him praise from fans who declared that he “understood the assignment.”
Al Roker’s Crawfish Peeling Skills Impress Fans
Videos shared from the event captured the trio’s determination as they focused on peeling their way to victory. Roker, in particular, impressed onlookers with his skills, with some even dubbing him a pro.
“Al is a pro at this point 😂,” one fan commented, while another playfully gave him a new nickname, calling him “Al Rocket.” Another viewer praised his energy, writing, “Al is locked in 😤.”
The fun-filled segment brought joy to both those in attendance and viewers at home, with some even calling it “probably the best Third Hour ever ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
More Than Just Food: Roker Joins the 610 Stompers
While indulging in delicious local food was a major part of the experience, the TODAY hosts also embraced other traditions unique to the Crescent City. One particularly memorable moment saw Roker stepping out of his comfort zone to dance alongside the 610 Stompers, an all-male performance group known for their entertaining routines.

Dressed in the group’s signature look, Roker took the stage as an honorary Stomper, much to the delight of both his colleagues and the live audience. His lively dance moves and willingness to dive into the fun earned him applause from fans and fellow performers alike. Not to be left out, Melvin soon joined in, while Dreyer cheered from the sidelines.
A Warm Welcome from New Orleans
New Orleans is known for its rich culture, deep-rooted traditions, and warm hospitality, and the TODAY crew received an enthusiastic welcome from locals. Fans from the region flooded the comment sections of social media posts with messages of appreciation for the show’s celebration of their city.
“Welcome to NOLA!!!” one person wrote, while another gushed, “We love our stompers and we love Al! He fits in great here! 💛💜💚.”
From showcasing the art of peeling crawfish to embracing the spirit of Mardi Gras with the 610 Stompers, the TODAY show’s visit to New Orleans was filled with unforgettable moments. Roker, as always, brought his signature enthusiasm, making it clear that whether it’s food, fun, or festivities, he’s always ready to dive in headfirst.
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