The Jambin’ on Main Jambalaya Cookoff, hosted by Minden Main Street, debuted on Saturday, November 2, with eight teams competing for top culinary honors in the Civic Center parking lot. The event, which organizers hope will double in size next year, featured a judged competition as well as a People’s Choice award. The cash prizes were sponsored by The Venue on Pearl.
Phillip Norred, host of the food blog Phillip’s Kitchen, joined the panel of guest judges for the event. Each competitor received detailed score sheets to guide future improvements.
The Ponderosa Pot Stirrers took first place with a score of 93.6 points, followed by BTI Smokers in second with 85.9 points, and The Roosters in third with 76.7 points. The People’s Choice award, determined by public votes cast via armbands, went to The Roosters for first place with 33 votes, with Avery taking second with 31 votes.
Organizers say the event was a flavorful success, with high hopes for growth and more competitors in the coming years.
