Alaskan chef Lionel Uddipa was crowned the King of America Seafood at the annual Great American Seafood Cook-off, held on 5 August in New Orleans, Louisiana U.S.A.
Uddipa, chef de cuisine at Salt in Juneau, Alaska, along with his sous chef, Jacob Pickard, prepared Sea Asparagus Risotto with Alaskan King Crab, beating out 12 of the nation’s best chefs in the competition.
“This year’s competition was one of the toughest yet, and I want to congratulate all of today’s competitors for presenting exceptional dishes, and to Chef Uddipa for truly showcasing why domestic seafood is one of the most flavorful and healthy ways to enjoy a meal,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Uddipa also recently represented Alaska seafood in New York during an Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) media event. Preparing Alaska Cod Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles, Lionel held a Facebook Live cooking demo at the Food & Wine Test Kitchen.
Born and raised in Juneau, Uddipa represents the third generation of chefs in his family.
Chef Kyle McClelland of Saltie Girl in Boston, Massachusetts, was named runner up, while Chef Marc Quinones of MAS Tapas y vino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earned third place.
