Aug. 14

Each gastro-competition is an experiential live-streaming event in which two participating chefs and two barkeeps present their creations to thousands of online viewers—and a panel of six judges—in hopes of being named the winner. The maiden voyage aired on Maxim’s Facebook Live Friday August 14th at 7pm.

Chefs

For the first event, celebrity chef Jose Mendin of Pubbelly Group (Miami) competed against Craig Richards of Lyla Lila (Atlanta) plated ingredients directly from the most responsible fisheries on open waters alongside produce from local farmers. Chefs presented three plates to judges including two raw dishes (crudo, ceviche or tiradito) and one Izakaya-inspired hibachi plate highlighting the population controlled Maine Lobster and sustainable Red Snapper from the Gulf Coast.

Barkeeps

Two award-winning barkeeps competed with their own take on a historic libation called Fish House Punch. The Georgia based-lineup included Ryan Smith of Lazy Susan Tapas (Macon) and James Wampler of Atlas (Atlanta). Each barkeep had to decide between using Buffalo Trace Bourbon or Wheatley Vodka for the punch competition. Both bar contestants chose bourbon for the punch, yet for late-night, they made classic cocktails featuring Wheatley Vodka.

Why?

Fish House is an important discussion on important categories of sustainable fish like Bycatch, The Wild Big Blue, Line-Caught, Farmed and Community Supported Fisheries (CSF), all while inspiring education and consumption of responsibly-cultivated seafood.

Historic

Fish House is the nation’s first responsible aquaculture food and beverage competition. The original Fish House was established in 1732. Today it remains America’s first fishing cooperative in the 13 colonies. Honorary members included no less than George Washington, who was said to be a frequent visitor. Fish House pays homage to the old world when life was simpler and food was cleaner.