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Event Sat Nov 23 2013
Amateurs Reign @ 1st Annual Frontier Gumbo Cook-Off
Torrential rainstorms and a Bears game didn't stop Chicagoans from flocking to Frontier's 1st Annual Gumbo Cook-Off last weekend to taste gumbo from 14 different chefs - eight, professional, six, amateur -- or in other words -- a whole lot of gumbo.
From alligator gumbo to crawfish and sausage to even a gluten free version, the varieties revealed that Chicago has a sweet spot for the Cajun/Creole cuisine.
Chef Brian Jupiter from Frontier, and event host took first place by popular vote with his Gumbo "Ya-Ya", which basically stands for a gumbo with everything in it. (I was unable to unearth the recipe so you'll have to head on over to Frontier to try it.) But the amateurs stole the day with Joe Ruesewald taking second place with a smoked duck and Cajun fried pork belly gumbo and I took third with a chicken and sausage gumbo.
Says Chef Jupiter, "We decided to host this event because I'm from New Orleans. We were already hosting Saints viewing parties, and everyone else does chili cook-offs. It was just a fun event with some great chefs that showcased a dish that I've been eating my entire life."
The event was a huge success and there are plans for continuing on the healthy competition next year. Congrats to all who participated.
Images courtesy of Frontier
