Award-winning chefs and local culinary talent will judge more than 20 cook teams at the 11th Annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition on November 1 at Seascape Towne Centre. Among the competitors is Saltwater Restaurant Group, a longtime supporter of the event and sponsor.
- The event, running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., features backyard grillers, local restaurants and nonprofit organizations competing while raising funds for Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought.
Taster tickets are on sale now for $56 in advance or $65 at the event. Children ages 10 and under attend free. Attendees will sample unlimited bites and receive five votes to award the 2025 People’s Choice Awards.
“We’re excited to welcome back popular returning cook teams as well as new backyard and nonprofit teams,” said Susan Kiley, co-owner of Bay Breeze Patio and event founder. “This year, we’re restructuring our People’s Choice Winners in the non-profit category to ensure every non-profit wins a cash prize for their efforts. The teams that earn the most taster votes will get a bigger pay out, but we want every charity to go home a winner.”
Five honorary judges will evaluate entries based on flavor, creativity and presentation. The panel includes local chefs David Cunningham of Cinders & Salt and Todd Meisner, owner of Iron & Grape in DeFuniak Springs.
- They will be joined by two Big Green Egg Green Team influencers: Grill Master Nick Ray, known as Biscuits N Briskets, and Chef Tina Cannon, winner of Netflix BBQ Showdown. Cannon has appeared in cooking competitions on Travel Channel, Destination America, Netflix and Food Network.
Chef Shannon Kinsella, winner of the 2018 World Food Fire and Ice challenge and Reserve Grand Champion in BBQ, rounds out the judging panel. Since 2009, Kinsella has competed in BBQ competitions across the Southeast, winning more than $75,000 and securing more than 200 category wins.
Saltwater Restaurant Group, a key sponsor and returning competitor, has been part of Eggs on the Beach for years. “Every year, our team looks forward to Eggs on the Beach. It’s an opportunity to fire up the Big Green Egg, have some fun, and show a little friendly competition — all while supporting a great cause,” said Clint Rogers, Saltwater Restaurants’ Director of Operations. “That’s what makes this community so special, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
Angel’s Envy will return as a sponsor, offering custom bottle engraving, samples, games and prizes. Attendees 21 and older can play cornhole to win prizes and merchandise while sampling bourbon and the Peach Smash craft cocktail. Cook teams may incorporate Angel’s Envy into their dishes to compete in a special bite category.
- Abita Brewery returns for its 11th year as the cook team beer sponsor. The brewery will offer samples of new brews, including Blueberry Wheat and Pecan Ale, served from Kombi Keg 30A’s vintage Volkswagen van.
The festival will feature live music by the Black Eyed Blonde duo, Becca and Dan Collins. Flat-screen TVs at the Tiki Bar will show college football games. Beer, wine, cocktails, water and sodas will be available for purchase. Attendees can enter drawings to win a Mini-Max Big Green Egg and products from area businesses.
Event proceeds benefit Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, which provides housing for military families during medical treatment, and Food for Thought, which provides backpacks filled with healthy foods to students facing food insecurity.
Demo Eggs used during the competition are available for pre-sale at 30% off retail price. The grills, available in Large or XLarge, come with a nest, plate setter and limited lifetime warranty. Buyers can pick up their Demo Eggs from 2-3 p.m. on November 1.
Tickets can be purchased here or in person with cash or check at Bay Breeze Patio, 32 Forest Shore Drive, Miramar Beach. For more information, call 850-269-4666.