The Depot in Auburn is champion of 2025 Sweet Grown Alabama Seafood Cook-Off
The aromas of fresh Gulf seafood and sizzling culinary creativity filled the air at The Wharf in Orange Beach as Sweet Grown Alabama hosted the 10th Annual Seafood Cook-Off on May 5. The milestone event brought together four of Alabama’s top chef teams to showcase their talents and battle for the coveted title of Seafood Cook-Off Champion.
Sweet Grown Alabama Director Ellie Watson sampled the tasty seafood. (Sweet Grown Alabama)
After a heated competition featuring innovative dishes and high-level technique, one chef rose to the top and claimed the crown. Chef Ben Rosen of The Depot in Auburn wowed the judges with a stunning dish that highlighted the freshness and flavor of locally sourced Alabama seafood.
“I’m honored and thrilled to take home this year’s title,” Rosen said. “Competing against such talented chefs and being able to represent Alabama seafood on this stage is an experience I’ll never forget. I’m proud to bring this trophy home, and even more excited to take this passion to New Orleans for the Great American Seafood Cook-Off.”
Rosen and his Sous Chef Walker Hughes will represent Alabama at the nationally renowned Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans later this year, where chefs from across the country will compete for national recognition. Sweet Grown Alabama is supporting Rosen’s journey with a $2,500 prize, courtesy of sponsor Organized Seafood.
The Alabama Seafood Cook-Off welcomed a diverse panel of experienced professionals, blending fresh faces with veteran judges. Among them was Bob Carlton, a well-known food writer, who shared his excitement about the event.
“This is my second year to judge the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, and once again, I was blown away by the imaginative and innovative ways all the chefs came up with to showcase Alabama Gulf seafood,” Carlton said. “Picking a winner is never easy, but the pecan-grilled cobia from Ben Rosen and his team at The Depot was perfectly executed and beautifully presented – as appetizing as it was eye-catching.”
Judges, from left, Nicole McLaughlin, Kyle Ogden, Lindsey Noto King and Bob Carlton made the difficult decision of selecting a winning entry while testing several delicious seafood dishes. (Sweet Grown Alabama)
The event marked a major milestone for the cook-off, as Sweet Grown Alabama proudly took the reins for the first time, bringing its mission of promoting local agriculture and seafood to the forefront of the beloved culinary tradition.
“This event is more than just a cook-off, it’s a celebration of our state’s incredible culinary talent and our thriving seafood industry,” said Ellie Watson, director of Sweet Grown Alabama. “We’re proud to connect local chefs with Alabama farmers and fishermen to showcase just how special our homegrown ingredients truly are. The energy and excitement this year were unmatched; it’s a testament to the strength of our local food community.”