Competition is fierce at annual Arc Gateway Crab Cake Cook-off

Pensacola’s favorite summer seafood cook off is back, and the competition is fierce. But with hundreds of delicious crab cake samples served up in the name of a good cause at the Crab Cake Cook Off, you’ll have a hard time feeling crabby.

On July 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., more than a dozen cook teams representing local organizations and restaurants will battle it out for best crab cake bragging rights at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola .

“One thing people don’t know is they don’t have to be part of a restaurant , you don’t have to be a chef,” The Arc Gateway Marketing and Communications Manager Lauren Volheim said. “We have a lot of teams that are hobbyists, in teams of three, and you have to be willing to cook on site at Seville.”

But be sure to get your tickets, because this event sells out quick.

“We're expecting 400 people,” Volheim said. “We always have 400 tickets available and we will always sell 400 tickets,” Volheim said. “So if you want tickets, you’ll have to get them now.”

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General Admission is $75, and attendees will have the opportunity to sample all the crab cakes they can eat, as well as entrance to the auction and a cash bar. For $125, VIP Attendees will be able to get a head start, with early entrance at 5:30 p.m. along with access to a VIP Bar area.

“A lot of people don’t know that this is a huge event for us,” Volheim said. “Some people think it’s just a crab cake tasting thing and it’s so much more. It’s actually one of our major fundraisers.”

According to Volheim, incorporating the cause into the event is a major focus. Whether it’s clients who come to the event to enjoy the tasting or lend a helping hand, or informative videos that highlight what The Arc Gateway is all about, by the end of the night, attendees will walk away with a bit more knowledge ... and perhaps some artwork.

During the event, you will have an opportunity to bid on client created artwork through its art programs, along with jewelry and experiences such as spa packages, getaways and so much more.

Also, instead of a trophy, winners of the People’s choice and Judges’ Choice will receive artwork from clients. If you’re interested in participating in the auction, or you’re simply curious about what will be available, bidding will begin online two days earlier, on July 15. The window for online bidding will close July 17 at 7:45 p.m.

Sponsorships and support help drive The Arc Gateway and its mission forward, and this year’s presenting sponsor is Sims Orthodontics.

Another major partner of the Crab Cake Cook Off is Maria’s Seafood, located at 621 E Cervantes St. in Pensacola.

“They offer crabs at wholesale cost for the cook teams,” The Arc Gateway Chief Advancement Officer Stephen Rampersad said. “Which is a great deal when you factor in fluctuating market prices.”

Now approaching its 70 ^th year serving Pensacola, The Arc Gateway has continued its commitment to celebrating the abilities that are embodied within intellectually and developmentally challenged children and adults, rather than the disabilities.

"They're great people," Maria's Seafood General Manager Ray Boyer said. "We're always looking to help out the community in any way, and they reached out to us many years ago. So we've always tried to take care of their needs for this particular event."

And with each team expected to produce more than 300 small samples for the people and three whole crab cakes for the judges, it all adds up quick.

"I've gone each year, and it's a hard decision to pick the winner, I know that," Boyer said. "Everybody does a good job in making some pretty awesome tasting crab cakes. The judges really got their hands full."

When the dust settles toward the end of the event, the top three People’s Choice winners and the top three Judges’ Choice winners will be revealed.

"Of course, I made my choice, you know, but everybody's gonna have their favorite," Boyer said. "I thought last year's winner was very deserving, but gosh, there's lots of things that [the cook teams] do with it."

So in other words, if you want to make the most of your Crab Cake Cook Off experience, you'll have to play the long game and pace yourself in casting your vote for the People's Choice.

"Yes, don't go back to the one that you said, 'oh that was awesome!', because there's gonna be another awesome one at the next table," Boyer said. "You have to try them all before you get too full."

But there’s one thing that’s certain, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first timer − it's going to be fun.

"It's always a great time, and Seville is always a great place when it comes to hosting it," Boyer said. "It's spread out and there's always a lot going on, but me and my wife look forward to going to it each year."

The Arc Gateway is located at 3932 N 10 ^th Avenue in Pensacola, and Crab Cake Cook Off Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.crabcakecookoff.org or call 850-434-2638.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Competition is fierce at annual Arc Gateway Crab Cake Cook-off