Wednesday, November 9, 2011

 Largest bowl of gumbo: John Folse and Rick Tramonto sets world record (Video)

TUSCALOOSA, AL, USA -- Louisiana chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto teamed up to make the a giant bowl of gumbo weighing in at 3,710 pounds and made enough for 10,000 servings, as part of the festivities before the LSU-Alabama game - setting the new world record for the Largest bowl of gumbo, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com).

  Photo: Former Alabama lineman Bom Baumhower and famous Lousiana chef John Folse oversaw an operation that called for 750 pounds of shrimp, 450 pounds of catfish, 200 pounds of alligator meat, and 150 pounds of crab meat. ( enlarge photo )

  The Guinness world record for the largest seafood ceviche weighed 9,954 kg (21,945 lbs) and was organized by Aquamar International, in San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the largest seafood cocktail: a prawn cocktail weighing 99.72 kg (219 lb 13 oz), created by Tom Pickerell (UK) from Shellfish Association of Great Britain at Fishmongers' Hall, London, UK.

  The goal of the World's Largest Gumbo event was to bring Alabama and LSU fans together and raise money for the charities of head coaches Nick Saban and Les Miles.

  Gumbo is a stew or soup that originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century. It consists primarily of a strongly-flavored stock, meat or shellfish, a thickener, and the vegetable holy trinity of celery, bell peppers, and onions.

  According to WWLTV in Louisiana, former Alabama lineman Bom Baumhower and famous Lousiana chef John Folse oversaw an operation that called for 750 pounds of shrimp, 450 pounds of catfish, 200 pounds of alligator meat, and 150 pounds of crab meat.

  Each bowl sold for $5 each with all proceeds going to benefit Tuscaloosa-area charities and tornado relief.

  "It should be something all the fans everywhere should enjoy, but we hope Alabama fans enjoy it a little bit more after the game," Baumhower said.

  Fishermen from Louisiana and Alabama also donated the seafood for the event in hopes of restoring the image of seafood from the Gulf after the BP oil spill.