The Annual National Shrimp Festival recently announced the winners for the 12th Annual Restaurant Challenge, held Feb. 21 at the Gulf Coast Culinary Institute at Coastal Alabama Community College.

Participants were challenged to come up with their best dish using domestic shrimp as the main ingredient. From there they were judged on the E.A.T. of their dish (execution, appearance, and taste).

Prizes for the contest included cash, trophies, Royal Prestige cookware, and recognition at the 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival. An added bonus given to the 1st place winner was a golden ticket to the World Food Championships taking place in Dallas, Texas later this year, generously donated by local chef and WFC Ambassador Chris Sherrill.

The winners for this year's challenge were:

1st Place - Mat Habermehl and Sami Rivera from Splash Bar and Grill at Perdido Beach Resort

2nd Place - Ryan Jay and Wesley Pounders from Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort

3rd Place - Emilio Urban from The Gulf

Committee Choice - Brooke Ghioto from South Market

"We had a really great turnout this year and are so happy that, thanks to Chris Sherrill, we will be able to send two local chefs to a national level showcase," said festival chairman Spencer Cade.

This year’s 48th Annual National Shrimp Festival will take place in Gulf Shores from Oct. 10-13. More information on the festival can be found by visiting myshrimpfest.com.