Business & Tech
WildFin American Grill Invited to Compete in Alaska Airlines 'Copper Chef Cook-Off'
The Friday, May 17 event celebrates Alaska Airlines' delivery of the season's first catch of Copper River salmon to the "Lower 48"
Local restaurant WildFin American Grill announced it's accepted the challenge from Alaska Airlines to compete this Friday, May 17 in its annual "Copper Chef Cook-off", heralding the kick off of the Copper River Salmon season.
A seasonal tradition, the Copper Chef Cook-off begins with Alaska Airlines delivering the first Copper River salmon from Cordova, Alaska, and then offering it up to three prestigious Northwest restaurant chefs who prepare the fish on the spot, competing for the best salmon recipe and the title of Copper River Chef.
WildFin currently operates two locations in Issaquah and Renton. Executive chef, Chef Chris Bryant, will represent WildFin in the competition.
"We've been preparing and serving Copper River salmon in our restaurants for many years and look forward to competing with the other chefs and restaurants for the Copper River Chef title," said WildFin President Attila Szabo.
The first shipment is scheduled to arrive at 6:15 a.m. at the Alaska Air Cargo Warehouse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Following the arrival of the ceremonial first fish, local executive chefs will compete for the best salmon recipe in the fourth annual “Copper Chef Cook-off.” Joining the competition will be Master Sgt. Robert Shulman, a 31-year U.S. Air Force Reserve chef representing the 446th Airlift Wing out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Ten citizen airmen from the 446th AW will also be on hand to cheer on Shulman and sample the season’s first Copper River salmon.
The restaurants were selected by the three seafood processors participating in the event with Alaska Airlines. WildFin was chosen by Copper River Seafoods. The other two restaurants are Anthony's and Seastar.
"We're excited to have Executive Chef Chris Bryant representing Copper River Seafoods at this year's event," said Cassandra Squibb, chief business development officer for Copper River Seafoods. "The strong partnership between our companies has helped us provide sustainable Alaska seafood to a growing number of consumers, which in effect, supports numerous fishermen and fishing communities across Alaska."
WildFin's flagship restaurant in Issaquah opened in 2011. The Renton restaurant, located at Renton Landing, opened earlier this spring.
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