Food Sport Report Alabama Coasting’s WFC Team Alabama competing under the banner of “This Ain’t Our First Rodeo” crushed it at the 2019 World Food Championships in Dallas Texas. World Champion Morgan and Vanna Cheek of Team Sweet Cheeks took home the gold in Burger, while World Champion Matthew Statham’s Team Statham with Dan and D3 Navarro captured top honors in Chef. It was indeed a banner year for our Alabama culinary warriors as nineteen cook teams reported for duty in Dallas for the greatest food sport event on the planet. Competing against some 450 teams from 42 states and a dozen foreign countries, nine of our teams advanced past the grueling first round into the top ten competition. In addition to our two world champions, Team Alabama made a statement across the board: Suzanne Burton finished fifth in Burger and Tim Van Doren hit the same mark in Steak; Clementine De Roode took sixth in Chef; Darren Harbison claimed the eighth spot in Seafood; Paul Kerr and Roy Seewer
Team Statham winning dish - WFC Chef.
46 DISCOVER COASTAL ALABAMA - WINTER 2020
finished ninth and tenth respectively in Sandwich while Tim Bentley was tenth in BBQ. We wrapped up the winning with Chad Worthington and Team Maggie’s Farm taking second place in the Super Qualifier while Dan Navarro III (D3) was recognized as the WFC Jr. Sous Chef of the year. Our two Champions will now travel to Indianapolis in May to compete at the WFC Top Ten Final Table where one competitor will take home the title of WFC Grand Champion and $100,000. In addition to supporting our Team Alabama competitors, Alabama Coasting served as ambassador to our home
state – spreading the word about Sweet Home Alabama! Shout out to our partners for WFC Dallas – the Caribbean Food Championships, Dauphin Island, Hall’s Sausage, Visit Gadsden, BAMA-Q TV, Spoony Radio, and especially Jaima Schiffer of the Innovative Group. Planning as begun in earnest for WFC Team Alabama 2020 – and more. We’ve got some exciting new events and concepts to introduce the world to Alabama’s culinary culture and food sport warriors. Go to www.wfcteamalabama.com and subscribe to our newsletter to insure you don’t miss out on any of the foodie fun.
WFC 2019 - Team Sweet Cheeks - Grand Chmpion Burger.
