World Food Championships & Original Oyster House Team UP

The World Food Championships has teamed up with the Original Oyster House for a Chef Pairing Dinner at the Gulf Shores’ restaurant on Thursday November 8, from 4 pm to 9 pm. Chef David Bundock of the Original Oyster House and Chef Gerren Allen of Port Orchard, Wash., have created a three-course dinner priced at $45 with proceeds benefiting the Alabama Coastal Foundation’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program. The delectable menu includes an appetizer sampling of fresh Gulf oysters prepared three different ways, a spiced rubbed and black garlic Salmon served with herbed couscous, blistered heirloom grape tomatoes, mushroom mélange, citrus balsamic reduction and a fresh herb oil drizzle as the savory main course and a signature cheesecake with chocolate ganache and strawberry compote for dessert.

Chef David Bundock has over 20 years' experience in fine dining and high volume dining. After earning his degree from the American Academy of Culinary Arts, Chef David continues to explore and incorporate new techniques and cultural influences into his work. Chef David placed second out of 40 in the first round at the World Food Championships last year and finished sixth in the semifinals.

Chef Gerren Allen has competed on Hell’s Kitchen and Cutthroat Kitchen. He has worked with chefs all over the US including Vermont, Illinois and South Carolina to name a few. Now representing Washington state, Chef Gerren is positioned to be a contender in this year’s World Food Championships and has delighted local Gulf Coast patrons by teaming up with the Original Oyster House.

“Having proceeds benefit the Oyster Shell Recycling Program makes this event even more special for everyone involved. When you see how many oyster shells have been recycled rather than thrown into a land fill, it’s such a great feeling to share not only the culinary value of oysters but educate the community,” said Chef David. Spearheaded by the Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF), the Oyster Shell Recycling Program collects oyster shells from restaurants and returns them to Alabama waters, to help more oysters grow, provide habitat, limit erosion and improve water quality. In October of 2016, the Original Oyster House became the first restaurant in the state of Alabama to recycle oyster shells through ACF's Oyster Shell Recycling Program. Since the program began, the program has collected almost 7 million shells equating to 17.7 acres of oyster reef restored.

The Original Oyster House has become the “must-go-to” place for great fresh Gulf seafood, service and southern hospitality and for its panoramic waterfront sunsets. A top-spot for hand-shucked and fire-grilled oysters, the Original Oyster House has also become legendary for its homemade gumbo, cheesy grits with blackened shrimp, as well as handcrafted desserts including its famous peanut butter chocolate chip pie.

The Original Oyster House has two locations, Mobile: 3733 Battleship Parkway, on the Causeway and Gulf Shores: 701 Hwy 59 on the Original Oyster House Boardwalk. For more information about the Original Oyster House, visit www.originaloysterhouse.com/worldfoodchampionships or call 251-928-2620.