Rainy weather was no deterrent to gumbo lovers attending Anglers for Conservation’s (AFC) Gumbo Wars. The event, held at Orlando’s Fish on Fire restaurant, provided a venue for cooking teams to compete for the title of gumbo champ. Cooking began at 10:00 am, serving began at 1:00 pm and ended a 5:00 pm.
The rules were simple. Food preparation was allowed in advance. All other cooking was done on site with a required result being 5 gallons of gumbo. Each team was responsible for cooking materials, tents and chairs. Fish on Fire provided the rice. The type of gumbo was left to individual teams.
The competing teams faced inclement weather as they mixed their ingredients of secret sauces and hush-hush condiments in hopes of gaining the coveted gumbo title. When asked how the weather affected the cooking, one team member said, “It won’t bother us in any way. It’s the same for everyone, and I don’t think it changes a thing.”
Likewise, hundreds of hungry visitors braved the rainy day to sample the offerings of the competing teams. The $10 admission fee (kids were free) to join in on the fun gave attendees the opportunity to eat all the gumbo they wanted and then to vote on the one they like best. The team getting the most votes would be crowned the winner.
Visitors also enjoyed silent auctions, raffles, free samples of various adult beverages, appetizers, promotional giveaways and live music. Silent auction items included fishing charters, art work, fishing equipment and much more.
Capt. Charlie Phillips and his wife Laura drove all the way from the Everglades to attend Gumbo Wars. After returning home from the event this post was seen on his Facebook page. “This is the best 10 dollars a captain can spend, all you can eat gumbo from 38 of the best teams around…. All for fisheries conservation and children’s fishing programs. A great Saturday.”
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