Orange Beach, Ala. - (OBA) - Perdido Beach Resort recently had the honor of celebrating a culinary victory as their Executive Chef, Brody Olive, with support from Sous Chef Luis Silvestre, claimed the prestigious title of the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off champion. Olive's winning dish, smoked gaff top catfish over scrub oak coals, gulf shrimp horseradish cream, flash fried mole crabs and paprika coral tuile., showcased the exquisite flavors of the Gulf Coast and demonstrated his culinary prowess​.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Newnan, Georgia, Olive was inspired to become a chef from a young age. His passion for the culinary arts led him to study at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. Olive honed his skills in Birmingham under the guidance of Chef George Reis at Ocean Restaurant​.

Now, as the head of multiple outlets at the Perdido Beach Resort, Chef Olive oversees the day-to-day operations, including planning for weekly events and preparing evening meals for Voyager’s, the resort's flagship restaurant. Despite his busy schedule, Olive has managed to cater for several high-profile figures, including the Foo Fighters and their frontman, Dave Grohl​.

The Alabama Seafood Cook-Off, held annually, is an event that pits the state's top chefs against each other in a live cooking competition. Chefs, each accompanied by an assistant, are given one hour to prepare and present their dishes to a panel of judges. These dishes are scored based on factors including presentation, creativity, composition, craftsmanship, and flavor​.

This year, the esteemed competition saw Olive surpassing his peers and being crowned the victor. This triumph has not only earned him the admiration of his community and colleagues, but has also paved the way for him to represent Alabama in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off (GASCO)​.

Established in 2004 by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, GASCO promotes domestic, sustainable seafood. Each year, chefs from across the country are provided the opportunity to represent their states and their local seafood in this national competition. Participating chefs cook before a live audience and present their dishes to a panel of six national judges, who score based on similar criteria as the Alabama Cook-Off​.

Perdido Beach Resort and the entire Alabama community are eagerly awaiting the upcoming GASCO, set to take place in New Orleans later this fall. Olive's victory in the Alabama Seafood Cook-Off has presented him with an exceptional opportunity to showcase his culinary skills on a national stage and promote the rich seafood culture of his home state.

With Chef Olive's commitment to serving fresh products and creating well-rounded dining experiences, the people of Alabama have every reason to be proud and excited about his representation in the forthcoming competition​.