National Seafood cookoff challenge

We are just days away from the smack-down of the century!

Sure, it’s only 2008, and there are 92 years to go. But, with the spectacular success of the past four years, we're quite certain that the Fifth Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off is going to be a battle for the ages!

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4p.m., some of the country's top chefs will converge at the Louisiana Foodservice EXPO at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

On Monday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Second Annual Louisiana Alligator Soirée. This fun and informal companion cook-off pits junior culinary teams from The Bayou State to compete against one another to find out whose alligator cuisine reigns supreme. These chefs-in-training and junior ACF members must prepare dishes featuring alligator meat as well as several mystery ingredients.

The opening ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. on day one, and there will be cooking demos and judging throughout the day. Day two, the challenge heats-up with mystery ingredientsbecoming apart of the mix by preparing a home-style dish practical for any cook!

Former Cook-Off winner (2004) and this year's culinary face for My Louisiana campaign and beloved New Orleans chef, John Besh will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are only available at the event for adults 18 years and older, so come with $10 (entry for Cook-Off and Alligator Soirée), a hungry appetite, and an open mind to discover diverse cuisine from across the nation.