TAMPA, Fla. — The Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition (Coalition) is proud to cheer on the eight Gulf Coast chefs that will be touting the Gulf region and serving its fresh and flavorful seafood at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The best-of-the-best chefs from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida will be participating in BP's "Spirit of the Gulf," a series of events for Team USA during the 2012 London Olympic Games. According to BP, more than 1,000 people each day will visit the "Spirit of the Gulf" events where they will be encouraged to visit the Gulf Coast and sample some of the world's best seafood.
The chefs include: Chef John Folse (Louisiana), Chef Michael Sichel (Louisiana), Chef Chris Poplin (Mississippi), Chef Calvin Coleman (Mississippi), Chef Chris Sherrill (Alabama), Chef Alec Naman (Alabama), Chef Justin Timineri (Florida) and Chef Paul Stellato (Florida).
While you are watching the games on television, the Coalition encourages the Gulf Coast community to get into the spirit and eat like you're at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Not only are these recipes fit for Team USA, they also include the rich Gulf Coast seafood nutrients and energy needed by the armchair athletes to keep up with the more than 302 medal events.
"We are proud of the Chefs that were selected to represent the Gulf Coast region," said Mike Voisin, chairman of the Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition. "The 2012 London Olympic Games is the perfect venue to showcase all of the great things that the Gulf Coast region has to offer – from the notable seafood to southern hospitality to great music – we're honored that the rest of the world will be able to have a little taste of our hometowns."
Recipes include: (For full recipes, visit www.eatgulfseafood.com to download the official recipe book)
- Chef Calvin Coleman's Gulf Seafood and Gator Sausage Gumbo
- Chef John Folse's Ultimate Louisiana Crab Cakes
- Chef Alex Naman's Cajun Shrimp with Artichoke Cream Sauce
- Chef Chris Poplin's Southern BBQ Shrimp with Smoked Sausage, Green Onion and Goat Cheese Grits
- Chef Chris Sherrill's Grouper Jubilee
- Chef Michael Sichel's Crabmeat Maison
- Chef Paul Stellato's Grouper with Onion-Corn Relish and Creamy Crab Sauce
- Chef Justin Timineri's Crispy Pan-Seared Swordfish
What's more, be sure to visit the Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition's Facebook page at Gulf Coast Seafood for the latest news and updates from the 2012 London Olympic Games. The team will be posting photos from the "Spirit of the Gulf" event, including cooking station demos, chefs in action and delicious recipes. And you might catch an Olympic winner or two enjoying Gulf Coast seafood. Additionally, vote on your favorite recipe from the games as the Coalition will be awarding a gold, silver and bronze medal to the top picks. Follow us on Twitter @EatGulfSeafood and don't forget to include the #GulfCoastGold when you mention #TeamUSA and #SpiritoftheGulf.
About Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition
The Coalition provides a framework for the seafood community to coordinate marketing efforts among the Gulf States with emphasis on working with tourism boards, restaurants, retailers and chefs. The Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc. is coordinating the Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition through funding provided by the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission's (NOAA Award #NA10NMF4770481). For more information, please visit www.eatgulfseafood.com and follow the Coalition on Facebook at Gulf Coast Seafood and Twitter at @eatgulfseafood.
About Gulf & South Atlantic Fisheries Foundation, Inc.
The Foundation is a private, regional nonprofit research organization with a general membership and Board of Trustees representing a wide spectrum of the commercial fishing industry throughout the southeast U.S. Through the Foundation, the commercial seafood and fishing industry can collectively identify industry needs, and address those needs through appropriate research and other activities. Representing the nine-state region from Virginia to Texas, the Foundation has sponsored more than 600 fishery-related research projects. For more information, please visit www.gulfsouthfoundation.org.
BP "Spirit of the Gulf"
As part of BP's ongoing partnership with Team USA, the "Spirit of the Gulf" is a celebration of the U.S. Gulf Coast and two of the region's most distinctive qualities – the culture and cuisine. BP is proud to use the power of the London 2012 Olympic Games as another way to promote the Gulf Coast, draw new visitors to the region and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the community. With a taste of the Gulf's seafood and a sampling of the sounds of the region, the Spirit of the Gulf will use the best the Gulf Coast has to offer to cheer Team USA on to victory during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Enjoy.
Source: Gulf Coast Seafood Coalition