The Hound Wins Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off at The Wharf
May 21, 2026
Chef C.R. “Robbie” Nicolaisen and sous chef Gabe Atkinson of The Hound in Auburn claimed first place Monday, May 18 at the Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off held at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The team earned the top honor after competing against some of Alabama’s most talented chefs in a culinary showdown celebrating Alabama Gulf seafood and locally grown ingredients.
As winners of the statewide competition, Nicolaisen and Atkinson will go on to represent Alabama at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off on July 25 in New Orleans, where chefs from across the country will compete for the national title.
Chef Robbie Nicolaisen said the competition was an opportunity to showcase the quality and versatility of Alabama seafood while highlighting the farmers and fishermen who make those ingredients possible.
“It’s an incredible honor to win this competition alongside Gabe and represent Alabama on a national stage,” Nicolaisen said. “We’re proud to cook with the outstanding seafood harvested from our Gulf waters and the amazing local ingredients grown across this state. Events like this celebrate the people behind our food, and we’re excited to carry that story to New Orleans.”
Photo by Billy Pope
The Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off brought together chefs from across the state to create original dishes featuring Alabama seafood paired with locally grown products from Sweet Grown Alabama members. Guests at the event enjoyed chef tastings, an all-you-can-eat shrimp boil and entertainment from emcee Jim Cox while cheering on competitors.
Judge Kathleen Phillips praised the chefs for their creativity and commitment to showcasing Alabama products throughout the competition.
“The level of talent on display was exceptional,” Phillips said. “Each chef demonstrated creativity, technical skill and a true appreciation for Alabama seafood and agriculture. Chef Robbie and Gabe delivered a dish that was not only beautifully executed but also told the story of Alabama through flavor and presentation.”
Photo by Billy Pope
Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson said the event continues to highlight the strong connection between Alabama farmers, fishermen and chefs.
“The Seafood Cook-Off is one of our favorite opportunities to bring together Alabama chefs and Alabama seafood in such a meaningful way,” Watson said. “We are proud of all the chefs who competed and grateful to everyone who attended and supported local products. Congratulations to Chef Robbie Nicolaisen and Gabe Atkinson on an incredible win, and we look forward to cheering them on as they represent Alabama in New Orleans.”
The annual Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off celebrates Alabama’s seafood industry while promoting the importance of supporting local farmers, fishermen and restaurants across the state.
To Learn more about Sweet Grown Alabama, visit SweetGrownAlabama.org.
Photos curtesy of Billy Pope. Find more photos curtesy of Billy Pope here.