ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WHNT) — A Huntsville chef and a Florence chef are set to compete in a seafood cook-off on May 5.
This year’s event marks an important 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
“Rosen started cooking and working in the hospitality industry professionally around a decade ago in Florence at Legends Steakhouse, where he started as a food runner, and where he discovered a love for cooking and plating food. My wife and I moved to the Opelika/Auburn area where I opened my own catering business, I then joined Chef Scott Simpson and his team at The Depot in Auburn in October of 2023 where I started as a lead grill cook, after about 3 months I was moved to Saute, and in May of 2024 shortly after Chef Justin Fridley and I competed in the 2024 Alabama Seafood Cook-Off I was promoted to Demi Chef De Partie. Soon after I was promoted to the Chef De Partie position,” Sweet Grown Alabama said.
Representing Huntsville is Chef Austin Salinas of Hatch Huntsville
“Born in the south, Austin Salinas is a passionate southern chef, known for dedication, bold flavors and the use of local ingredients. Austin attended the University of North Alabama, receiving a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. For the past 8 years, Austin has been part of the hospitality industry, working in kitchens all over the state of Alabama, with his home being in Huntsville. Austin is an advocate for culinary education, mentoring aspiring chefs, and participating in local food initiatives. With a strong belief in the power of food to bring people together, he continues to inspire young professionals to create memorable experiences at Hatch Huntsville,” Sweet Grown Alabama said.
Representing the coast is Chef Emilio Urban of Coastal Orange Beach
“Emilio Urban is currently one of the Chefs in charge of Coastal Orange Beach. He has been with the company since November 2023, but previously was the Chef de Cuisine of Fisher’s Upstairs Fine Dining Restaurant. There, he was able to study and work under award-winning Executive Chef Bill Briand and Chef Mike Andrzejewski. Urban has been working in professional kitchens since he was 13 years old. His love for food began with being able to spend time as a child in Mexico, and being from a southern family, he describes food as always being an event. Urban loves cooking Alabama seafood because when he is cooking with fresh seafood, he can tell you the story of his past, and I love seeing the smile he receives after tasting his dish,” Sweet Grown Alabama said.
Representing Florence is Chef Megan Vanderford of Odette
“Megan started her culinary journey writing recipes in her dad’s weekly paper. Working her way through fast food and casual dining, she received an incredible opportunity to stage at the best place in downtown Florence. She started as a line cook 5 years ago and has just this year been promoted to sous chef. She’s the mother of an incredible daughter, Aurelia, and she motivates her every day,” Sweet Grown Alabama said.
Sweet Grown Alabama said that on the day of the competition, the chef teams will prepare their dishes in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. The judges will evaluate each chef’s 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.
“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,” Ellie Watson, director of Sweet Grown Alabama, said. “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.”
The competition is free and open to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. Attendees can expect to enjoy a day of coastal hospitality in one of Alabama’s most scenic destinations.
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