Beech Tree News Network

The annual Catfish Cook-off was held on Saturday at the Catfish Festival.  This event is sponsored every year by the office of Dr. Todd Cohron, OD.  This particular event turned out to be a hot one, but six groups turned out to participate and take their chances at appealing to the judges with their culinary skills.

Participants this year included:
Alabama Guys- Alan McPeak, Jeremy Key, Danny Hoon, and Mike Hajen
Florida Girls- Felicia Key, Cassanra McPeak, Amanda Hoon, and Bobbi Hajen
Cookin’ Cats- Glenn Mason, Cory Mason, Hunter Mason, Natalie Mason, and Joseph Mason
Cajun Special- Bill Duffer and Karry Phillips
Calcasieu Kings- Michael Phillips and Squeaky
Swamp Pride- Tina Billodow and Joey Phillips

Each group was scored on taste and presentation.  The seven judges were all given a chance to view each group’s display of fish before being given a sample to taste.  A wide variety of creativity was used to try to impress the judges.  Even though each group was only scored based on their fish, other foods were used for decoration and made available to sample including: shrimp, zucchini, onion rings, hushpuppies, potato wedges, and bloomin’ onions. 

Once each group had presented, they were instructed to cook the remainder of their food and groups could walk around and taste the competition.

When final scores were tallied, two winners were named.  2nd place and $100 was awarded to Calacasieu Kings and 1st Place with a prize of $200 was awarded to Alabama Guys.
   
Story and photos by Carissa Poston, Beech Tree News