Make plans to join Sweet Grown Alabama at The Wharf in Orange Beach to watch the 10th Annual Seafood Cook-Off! Sweet Grown Alabama is proud to continue the legacy of this event started by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Eat Alabama Seafood program. Four chef teams from across the state will compete for the award, $2,500 in prize money and the chance to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Make plans to grab dinner at one of The Wharf's tasty restaurants, then walk down to Marlin Circle to watch the chefs exhibit their skills beginning at 6:00 p.m.
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Meet the Four Chef Teams Competing!
Megan Vanderford- 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. She’s the mother of an incredible daughter, Aurelia, and she motivates her everyday.
Ben Rosen- 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 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.
Emilio Urban- 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 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 recieves after tasting his dish.
Austin Salinas- 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, in creating memorable experiences at Hatch Huntsville.
Things to Do at The Wharf
The Seafood Cook-Off will take place in The Wharf's Marlin Circle. Click "Learn More" below to find a list of things to do, a property map and more!
Sweet Grown Alabama Expands to Promote Alabama Gulf Seafood
Sweet Grown Alabama looks forward to continuing this strong legacy set by the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission.
