Gumbo connoisseurs throughout South Alabama had the opportunity earlier this month to sample some of the best local recipes in the region at the annual Blessing of the Fleet Gumbo Cook Off in Bayou La Batre.

Although the competition was hard fought, one recipe from the LaForce Brothers stood above the rest.

Second place in the competition went to the Zirlott Family while third place was awarded to Captain Frank’s.

Sweet Home Alabama gave the following description of the annual Blessing of the Fleet, now in its 75th year: “Beautiful century old oaks, the scenic waters of the Mississippi Sound, shrimp boats, and a fishing village charm will welcome you to our city to share in the commemoration of our fishing industry in Bayou La Batre, the Seafood Capital of Alabama. The Fleet Blessing is a celebration of life along the working waterfront of Bayou La Batre and a remembrance of those from the small fishing community that have perished at sea.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten