Sandestin Gumbo Festival 2013 Photos

A record crowd of more than 2,000 gumbo lovers turned out on a cool but sunny Florida day for the 24th annual Sandesatin Gumbo Festival at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Eighteen teams competed for prizes in several categories.

The Waylon Thibodeaux Band played zydeco music while the crowd kicked up their heels and relaxed on the lawn.

Some of our favorite local restaurants competed in the cook-off with teams from 98 Bar-B-Que, Buster’s Bar and Grille, Pompano Joe’s, Marlin Grill, Poppy’s Seafood Factory, Elephant Walk (returning soon to Sandestin), Marina Bar & Grille, WaterColor Inn and Resort and more.

The winners: nearly 2,000 ballots cast by ticket holders voted Pompano Joe’s as “People’s Choice First Place;” Soundside at Hurlburt Field as “People’s Choice Second Place;” and Baytowne Floating Society as “People’s Choice Third Place.”

A blind taste test by a panel of judges awarded prizes in several categories – the “Veterans” Category First Place went to Pompano Joe’s; Second Place to 98 Bar-B-Que; and Third Place to Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort. In the “Five Years and Under” category First Place went to Marina Bar and Grill; Second Place to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company; and Third Place to Soundside at Hurlburt Field. For the “First-Time Participants” category: First Place went to Baytowne Floating Society; Second Place to 790 on The Gulf.

Marina Bar and Grill and Buster’s Bar and Grill tied for “Best Display,” also determined by the judging panel. Buster’s Bar and Grille has competed in the Sandestin Gumbo Festival each year of the event.