It’s not every day that a worldwide culinary competition touches down in South Alabama.

That’s exactly what’s happening this week at The Wharf in Orange Beach as the World Food Championships comes to town.

From November 9-15, some of the most talented chefs in the world will be squaring off in a number of events and categories. There will be a number of special events throughout the week-long event, but general admission is free for all who want to experience the event.

A few friends of ours will be competing in the Seafood competition this year: Chef Chris Sherrill of Flora-Bama Yacht Club, Chef Brody Olive of Perdido Beach Resort, and Chef Josh Quick of Odette, who was crowned champion at our 2nd annual Alabama Seafood Cook-Off in May.

On the other side of the competition floor, we’ll have two friends in the judges corner as well. That’d be Bob Baumhower, former Crimson Tide defensive tackle and Alabama restaurateur behind restaurants like Dauphin’s, and Chef Jim Smith, executive chef for the State of Alabama and chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission. Those two palates are gonna be hard to impress, folks!

Chef Smith, who was just named a contestant on Season 14 of Top Chef, will be hosting a pair of cooking demos as well on Saturday, November 12, from 2:15 – 2:45 and 3:00 – 3:30. Shrimp Bisque and Blue Fish Cakes will be on the menu, so you won’t want to miss it.

There’ll be plenty of Alabama Gulf Seafood on the menu, in fact.

Thursday, November 10 will feature Low Country Boil fundraiser event for Operation BBQ Relief. A ticket of only $20 gets you an endless plate of fresh Gulf shrimp and delicious sides, so we suggest you join in and feast for a good cause.

Then on Friday, November 11, we’ll be providing fresh product for the Bourb’N’Que at Heron Pointe, a fundraiser for local charities. There’ll also be plenty of Jim Beam samples to get your weekend started right.

If all this sounds like the sort of event you’d be into – and with all that delicious food and fun, why wouldn’t it? – we’ll see you at The Wharf in Orange Beach.

For more information and to purchase event tickets, visit the World Food Championships site.