Seafood lovers, prepare to be tantalized! In this edition of Challenge, 20 top seafood chefs from around the U.S. have brought their A-game and fresh fish from their home states down to the Big Easy for a chance to be crowned King of American Seafood. There's something for everyone from everywhere: from Shrimp and Grits, to Crispy Chesapeake Soft Shell Crab, to Tropical Red Snapper. The dishes are so delectable you'll wonder how the judges can pick a winner (and how they can pack away that much food!). Watch this one with a bib on.
COMPETITORS: Frank Brigsten – Louisiana Brigsten’s Restaurant New Orleans, La.
Naomi Everett – Alaska Settler’s Bay Lodge Anchorage, Alaska
John Hamme – Alabama Ariccia Restaurant Auburn, Ala.
John Nye – California King’s Fish House Costa Mesa, Calif.
Tim Recher – Maryland Wyndham Baltimore Inner Harbor Hotel Bel Air, Md.
Robert St. John – Mississippi Purple Parrot Café Hattiesburg, Miss.
Justin Timineri – Florida Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Tallahassee, Fla.
Tim Thomas – Georgia Ocean Forest Club Brunswick, Ga.
Judges:
Donna Florio Southern Living Magazine Birmingham, Ala.
William T. Hogarth Director – NOAA Fisheries Silver Spring, Md.
Shawn McLain Spring Magazine Chicago, Ill.
Julia Rutland Coastal Living Magazine Birmingham, Ala.
Susan Spicer Bayona Magazine New Orleans, La.
John Besh Master of Ceremonies New Orleans, La.