Dig In at The Wharf

The South is all about food, and Mobilians know that better than anyone. Here at MB, we can’t get enough of it. From our monthly restaurant picks to our beloved local recipe collection that has culminated in two cookbooks, we appreciate every opportunity to enjoy a taste of Mobile and beyond.

So it makes perfect sense that MB’s executive editor, Maggie Lacey, is heading to Orange Beach this weekend to help judge The Wharf Uncorked Food and Wine Festival. With events beginning the afternoon of Thursday, September 14, embrace your inner foodie for three days of Southern cuisine nirvana.  

Head that way on Thursday for an exciting competition featuring last year’s champion, Brody Olive of the Perdido Beach Resort, and two mystery chefs as they create stunning dishes using Gulf Coast seafood in a race against the clock. (It’s like Iron Chef, but at the beach and with wine!)

Friday will be a laidback affair with more than 10 restaurants curating special menus with exclusive dishes and wine pairings for event attendees. Take in a cooking demonstration or just enjoy the (thankfully cool!) afternoon and evening with a bite and a sip.  

- Sponsors -

Finally, Saturday will culminate with another competition among all the participating restaurants serving plenty of wines, spirits, craft beer and small bites. In addition to the judges’ choice, guests will also be able to vote on a People’s Choice for their favorite dishes. The night will end with an awards ceremony, where the winning chef will qualify for the World Food Championship back at the Wharf this November.

Food is the great unifier. Whether you’re chatting with family and friends over spicy Southern apps or meeting new people while chowing down on juicy shrimp and a glass of local beer, noshing and mingling go hand in hand. At an event like this, you get a taste of a lot more than the food and drink; you get a taste of the camaraderie and hospitality that comes with being a Southerner.

Lacey, a passionate proponent of local, sustainable cuisine, will sit on panels with other local notable foodies to judge both the Chef Showdown on Thursday as well as The Grand Tasting on Saturday. Get your tickets now, and dig in!

For more information on tickets, events, judges, special guests and more, visit thewharfuncorked.com.  

  

Thursday, September 14

 VIP Kickoff + Chef Showdown // 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 15

Sip, Sample & Scampi at Rouses Market Gulf Shores // 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

A cooking class by Neil Thibodeaux, aka Chef Nino, of Rouses // 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Local Wine Dinners

Saturday, September 16

The Grand Tastings //  12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Complete awards ceremony 


Text by Chelsea Adams // Photos by Colette Boehm

Get the best of Mobile delivered to your inbox

Be the first to know about local events, home tours, restaurant reviews and more!