Full flavor on the half shell! Almost 20 area restaurants and teams competed in the 3rd Annual Hangout Oyster Cook-off on Nov 13th. Teams were judged on presentation, taste and creativity. Our judges were food editors Dale Curry (New Orleans Magazine), Tommy Simmons (Baton Rouge Advocate), David Holloway (Mobile Press-Register), Pat Peterson with WKRG and our honorary judge winner - Josh Conner. 1st Place team winners were: Rockefeller - The Shrimp Basket; Cajun Spicy - Lester's; Raw - LL's Seafood Distributor. Big Fish won the People's Choice award and Judge's Pick on Best Tent personality. Ryan from Steve's Place won the oyster shucking contest and Lester's won the Overall Grand Champion trophy! The proceeds benefited the 100-1000 Alabama Coastal Restoration Project to replant 100 miles of oyster beds and 1000 acres of sea grasses. The real winners were the folks who got to sample the diverse creations! My favorites were a Rockefeller with jalapenos, raw with pico de gallo topped with guacamole, Thai-inspired raw cradled in a lemon peel, raw with Japanese seaweed salad and creamy wasabi and sesame, raw with cilantro, lime and a slice of chili pepper, raw in a bloody mary-type shot glass, raw with traditional "but with a kick" cocktail sauce - see any patterns? Make plans to attend next year's event and you be the judge!
Man i love gulf shores. When is the next oyster cook off? Iv never been to one. I didnt even know they had this down there.
dime6664ever 7 months ago