Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program, is thrilled to announce the 10th Annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, set to take place on Monday, May 5, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. This milestone event celebrates Alabama’s rich culinary heritage by spotlighting the state’s finest chefs and the exceptional quality of Alabama Gulf seafood.
“We are so excited to host the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off and showcase not just our world-class seafood, but the incredible diversity of locally grown ingredients across our state,” said Ellie Watson, director of Sweet Grown Alabama. “This event is a true celebration of Alabama’s farmers, fishermen, and culinary talent, and we’re proud to bring it all together in one unforgettable day.”
Formerly hosted by the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and now celebrating a decade of delicious tradition, the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off has become a staple on the state’s food and tourism calendar. This year’s event marks a special milestone as Sweet Grown Alabama leads the effort, tying in its mission to support local agriculture with the state’s booming seafood industry. As part of this year’s challenge, each competing chef team will highlight Alabama Gulf seafood and a locally grown ingredient. The goal is to showcase the natural partnership between land and sea that defines Alabama’s rich food heritage.
Four distinguished chef teams from across Alabama have been selected to compete in this year’s cook-off. Representing Auburn is Chef Ben Rosen from The Depot, known for its refined Gulf seafood with global flair. Chef Austin Salinas of Hatch Huntsville brings his bold, seasonal approach from North Alabama’s thriving food scene. From the coast, Chef Emilio Urban of Coastal Orange Beach will bring local seafood knowledge straight from the source. And from Florence, Chef Megan Vanderford of Odette adds a soulful and creative Northern Alabama touch. Learn more about these chefs at SweetGrownAlabama.org.
On competition day, the chef teams will prepare their dishes in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges, who will evaluate each entry based on presentation, creativity, harmony of ingredients, craftsmanship and overall flavor. Along with a $2,500 cash prize and plaque, the winning chef will go on to represent Alabama at the nationally acclaimed Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
For some, the event has already proven to be a career-defining moment.
“Winning this competition was such a unique and fun experience,” said Chef Kyle Ogden, 2024 Alabama Seafood Cook-Off Champion and judge for 2025. “It’s more than just a cook-off—it’s a platform to tell our stories through food and represent the hardworking producers behind every ingredient.”
As excitement builds toward May 5, Sweet Grown Alabama invites food lovers, locals, and visitors alike to join in celebrating the flavors, talent and community spirit that define Alabama’s food landscape. The competition is free and open to the public and will begin at 6:00 p.m. Attendees can expect to enjoy a day of coastal hospitality in one of Alabama’s most scenic destinations.
“I encourage attendees to come early and enjoy all the wonderful restaurants and shops The Wharf has to offer before making their way to Marlin Circle for the action,” Watson said. “After you enjoy dinner, come down to watch the chefs prepare plates for the judges, and learn the stories behind local farms and fisheries from our wonderful emcee Jim Cox”
For full event details and chef bios, visit www.SweetGrownAlabama.org.
