The 9th Annual Eggs on the Beach Cookoff is gearing up to be a culinary extravaganza like no other. This beloved event, set against the stunning backdrop of Seascape Resort, promises a day of gastronomic delights, live music, and friendly competition.
Each year, cook teams from far and wide gather to vie for the coveted Taster’s Choice Awards and, of course, some serious bragging rights. The event, scheduled for October 14, has become a favorite among food enthusiasts and families looking for a fun day out.
What sets this year apart is the addition of a distinguished panel of honorary judges who will lend their expertise to evaluate the culinary creations. These judges bring a wealth of culinary experience to the table, including Tony Chachere’s Corporate Chef, a Michelin restaurant-trained chef, a local restauranteur, and a food writer whose work has graced the pages of national magazines.
In a thrilling twist, the 2023 competition introduces a new category – Best Angel’s Envy Bite, marking a special partnership with Angel’s Envy Bourbon. This collaboration promises to add an extra layer of flavor and excitement to the event.
Wayne Paul, co-founder of Eggs on the Beach, shares, “Our cook-friendly competition encourages camaraderie and fun for a great cause. That said, we also know that our cook teams want an expert opinion. We’re excited to bring a diverse line-up of chefs and restaurateurs to review this year’s bites and present judge’s trophies in addition to our Taster’s Choice Awards.”
The honorary judges for 2023 represent diverse backgrounds and will meticulously evaluate each bite based on taste, creativity, and presentation. The panel includes Chef Jude Tauzin, corporate chef for Tony Chachere’s; Chef Dan Tederous, corporate chef for Hilton Sandestin; Nikki Nickerson, founder of Cowgirl Hospitality Group; Carrie Honaker, Florida Food & Travel Writer for esteemed publications like Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and Wine Enthusiast; and Michelin restaurant-trained Chef Chad Donelson, executive chef of Bitterroot. These culinary experts will immerse themselves in the festivities, mingling with the crowd while tasting the creations and collaborating to determine the trophy winners.
Apart from the People’s Choice Awards and Judge’s Trophies, each participating team will receive a bottle of Angel’s Envy Bourbon to incorporate into their culinary masterpieces. For attendees aged 21 and over, Angel’s Envy will have a tasting table, offering delightful cocktail samples. As a special treat, those who wish to commemorate the day can purchase Angel’s Envy Bourbon with complimentary custom engraving, making for a perfect keepsake.
Excitement runs high among the competitors as they aim for the top prize, which includes a coveted Big Green Egg. The second-place team will walk away with a medium Big Green Egg, and the third-place contender will receive a mini-max Big Green Egg. Additionally, cook teams representing non-profit organizations have the chance to earn up to $3,500, which can be directed towards their chosen cause.
This year introduces a new dimension to the event – the Junior Chefs Competition. Five youth cook teams, comprising young chefs aged 8-14, will showcase their talents and compete for medals, cash prizes, and, of course, bragging rights. The junior cook teams will present their creations to the honorary judges for evaluation based on taste and presentation.
What makes Eggs on the Beach even more special is its commitment to charity. The event’s proceeds benefit two local non-profit organizations – the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. The Fisher House provides a home away from home and meals for military families during medical treatment, while Food for Thought fights food insecurity by providing backpacks filled with healthy foods to students in need. In addition to these two charity partners, other non-profit organizations have the opportunity to compete for taster votes to earn cash donations for their respective causes.
The event wouldn’t be complete without some fantastic live music, courtesy of Dan Collins and Becca of Black Eyed Blonde. Attendees can also look forward to the chance to win a Mini-Max Big Green Egg. For refreshments, a range of options will be available for purchase, including beer, wine, cocktails, water, and sodas at the Tiki Bar. Cook teams will receive complimentary beer courtesy of Abita Beer Company.
If you’re interested in getting in on the action, there are still a limited number of cook team spots available, including categories for non-profit and youth cook teams. To sign up, contact Susan Kiley at Bay Breeze Patio (850-269-4666). Taster tickets are currently on sale for $45 in advance and include unlimited bites, live music, Angel’s Envy samples, and a chance to win a mini-max Big Green Egg, among other perks. Tickets for children aged 11-17 are $18, while kids aged 10 and under get in for free. Don’t miss out on this delectable and charitable event – mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Eggs on the Beach Cookoff on October 14!
Photo by Min An: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-man-cooking-meat-1482803/