In August 2014, a group of accomplished and up-and-coming chefs representing 18 states gathered in New Orleans to compete in the annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off. THE GREAT AMERICAN SEAFOOD COOK-OFF VII features highlights from the event, hosted by actor Anthony Anderson (Food Network's Eating America With Anthony Anderso,ABC's Black-ish). The contest gives the chefs one hour to showcase their culinary talents in a dish using domestic seafood native to their home states. Then, a discriminating panel of judges comprised of an executive chef, a food magazine editor, a culinary-school teacher, and a representative from The James Beard Foundation sample the results and crown a winner. This year's competition features chefs from Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia.