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Orange Beach, Ala. - Orange Beach-based restaurant The Gulf recently emerged victorious in the 2nd Annual Coastal Tailgate Cook-Off Challenge, presented by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber (CABC) and Sunny 105.7 FM.
The event, held Aug. 24 at The Wharf, drew over 600 attendees who sampled bacon-themed dishes from 17 different culinary teams representing Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana. Teams competed for a Bacon Category Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships (WFC) to be held in Indianapolis later this year.
"We are excited to see the Tailgate Challenge grow into a premier event for Orange Beach," said Greg Alexander, president and CEO of the CABC. "The Gulf Coast has always had a great food scene, and we love providing the opportunity for someone to represent the region on a national stage."
The WFC is the highest-stakes food sport competition in the world. This multi-day culinary competition showcases some of the world's best cooks, who compete for food, fame, and fortune in 12 categories: Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Live Fire, Noodle, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup, Rice, and Vegetarian.
The team from The Gulf, led by Chef Rob Kraatz Jr., wowed judges with their BLT Tuna Tacos, featuring a crispy bacon taco shell, baby Tuscan salad blend, heirloom tomatoes, lemon garlic aioli, and seared tuna.
Other top-placing teams in the Tailgate Challenge included:
2nd Place: Island House Hotel - Orange Beach, Alabama
Bacon Me to the Top: Bacon-dusted handmade blue and yellow tortillas, stuffed with smoked shrimp, crunchy bacon-dusted slaw, Mexican corn, fresh tomatoes, Bill E's Small Batch Bacon, and caramelized onion jam topped with a bacon popper.
3rd Place: Blazed & Confused - Robert, Louisiana
Pigpen & Deep Water: Bill E's Small Batch Bacon, pan-fried and deep-fried Gulf shrimp, blue cheese, and orange pepper jelly.
People's Choice Award: Orange Beach Police Grill Sergeants - Orange Beach, Alabama
Bacon Jalapeño Egg Roll Poppers: Bacon, bacon drippings, cream cheese, jalapeño, egg roll wrappers, sweet chili sauce, seasoning, green onions, and hot mustard.
Best Decorated Booth: LuLu’s - Gulf Shores, Alabama
For their football-themed booth featuring games, decorations, and custom-made LuLu’s jerseys.
Along with the WFC Golden Ticket, The Gulf received a cash prize of $300, a WFC cookbook, and a custom-made Tailgate Challenge turnover chain courtesy of Big Head Custom.
Details on the 2025 event will be available as the year concludes. More information can be found on the Tailgate Challenge’s Facebook page.
MORE EVENT PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE
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About the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber:
Since 1981, the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber's mission has been to strengthen members, businesses, and the community through a culture of excellence. The organization serves Coastal Alabama at two locations in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. More details on the Chamber can be found at mygulfcoastchamber.com.
About the World Food Championships:
Since its inception in 2012, the World Food Championships has seen participation from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. The 2024 World Food Championships will be held on November 8-12 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.
About Sunny 105.7 FM:
Sunny 105.7 FM is your hometown radio station serving Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Perdido Key, and Pensacola with over 15,000 listeners daily. Learn more about Sunny 105.7 and our on-air personalities at sunny1057.com.
About Big Head Custom:
If you’re planning an event that could use a touch of sparkle and distinction, consider adding a big blingy custom turnover chain to elevate the occasion! For schools, businesses, amateur leagues and football-themed chains, visit BigheadCustom.com or TurnoverChains.com, where you’ll find an array of eye-catching designs perfect for any football-related event. If baseball or softball is more your style, check out HomerunChains.com for custom chains that bring a touch of shine to the diamond. Each site offers unique, high-quality options that are sure to make your event memorable and stand out in style.