Call for Gumbo Ya Ya Cook-Off Teams
January 23, 2011
2011 Gumbo YaYa Cook-Off
To the uninitiated Mardi Gras means Jambalaya or Red Beans & Rice, but here on the Gulf Coast we know that nothing represents the complexity of the Carnival season better than a big pot of homemade Gumbo! The word “gumbo” derives from the African Bantu word for okra and over the centuries French, Spanish and Native American influences have combined to create the traditional Creole-Cajun dish we now call Gumbo. No two batches of gumbo are ever the same: the ingredients and final results are a tribute to the cook’s creativity. Roux or no roux, okra or not, the possibilities, like the beads at a Mardi Gras parade, are endless. Vegetable, Chicken & Andouille, Chicken & Filé, Creole Seafood, Shrimp, Salmon, Catfish or made with fresh Game are just a few of the thousands of variations you will find.
On Saturday, March 19th in Phineas Phogg’s at Seville Quarter, Amateur and Professional teams will compete for bragging rights for the “Best Gumbo in Pensacola”. Each individual Gumbo will be judged on taste, smell, color and consistency. Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners. In addition there is a Showmanship trophy (decoration and entertainment) as well as the coveted People’s Choice trophy.
Entry to the competition is $20.00 per three person team and is limited to fifteen teams. Seville Quarter supplies tables, burners and a clean-up area. Each team must prepare their gumbo “from scratch” at Seville Quarter. Cooking begins at 11:00 a.m. and the judging begins at 4:00 p.m. The public tasting is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and the cost is $10.00 per person at the door with the proceeds going to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more information or to register your team
phone Buck Mitchell at 434-6211 or info@rosies.com
Saturday, March 19, 2011
1) All contestants MUST have fun!
2) You may not start any prep work or cooking until 11:00 a.m.
3) All ingredients (except canned items) must be cut, cooked, sliced, mixed, etc. on site. Special exceptions must be approved by the contest director in advance.
4) One mini-chef cooker will be provided for each team. Additional burners (if they are available) will be distributed on a first come basis. Teams may bring their own propane cookers to set up on the sidewalk.
5) Teams must bring all their own cooking utensils, pots, ladles, knives, cutting boards, etc. Sanitation buckets and towels will be provided by Seville.
6) Each team will receive complimentary sodas, tea and coffee. Each team will receive 6 tickets for draft beer or wine.
7) Seville Quarter will supply portion cups, spoons, napkins and rice for the tasting.
8) No Fighting between teams
9) Each team must prepare approximately 3-5 gallons of Gumbo (running out will greatly affect the results of the People’s Choice judging). Samples must be ready for the official judging no later than 4 pm. Use small portions for samplers.
10) Only three team members will be allowed complimentary admission. All other supporters must exit the room, and then pay to re-enter – THIS IS A CHARITY EVENT!
11) Winners will be announced at close to 6:00 pm as possible. Overall Showmanship (decorations, costumes, theme, presentation), People’s Choice and Judges Awards (Blind Judging based on Taste, Smell & Consistency) – 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place will be awarded in each category
12) Sore losers will not be invited back!
13) Rules violations may result in disqualification. Director’s decisions are final!
14) No smoking in food preparation areas.
Thank You for your support and Participation!
2011 Gumbo Ya Ya
Team Name: Captain:
Mailing Address:
Phone Number: E-Mail:
$20.00 Entry per Team Please make check payable to Seville Quarter
Buck Mitchell Seville Quarter 130 East Government Street
Pensacola 32502
For More Information phone: 850-434-6211
Proceeds Benefit the Big Brothers ~ Big Sisters
Sevillequarter.com
