Tuscaloosa’s “Deviled Egg Throwdown” Proves Community Spirit
Most people, including myself, believe deviled eggs are a Southern invention. However, as the great "Deviled Egg Throwdown" approached last weekend in T-Town, I did a little research. Come to find out the origin of the deviled egg long outdates the south. Romans actually served boiled eggs with lots of spicy seasonings (thus the name deviled) as appetizers before the main meal. Another variation of deviled eggs (boiled yolks smashed together with spices then sealed with two egg white halves and a stick) popped up in 13th-century Spain, per Southern Living Magazine. Europeans in this 15th century apparently really got wild and served the eggs hot, and sometimes with raisins.
Deviled eggs became a southern tradition after a recipe for the tasty dish was introduced by the Montgomery Advertiser in 1877, according to the Southern Kitchen website. Other southern newspapers picked up the recipe, and a regional delight was born.
Now fast forward to last Saturday at Druid City Brewery. The Tuscaloosa community celebrated the centuries long legacy of the delicacy with the 1st Annual Deviled Egg Throwdown. The event drew a packed house to celebrate culinary creativity, community spirit and support for one of Tuscaloosa's most treasured institutions - The Tuscaloosa Public Library.
Competitors from 14 local restaurants brought some unique, creative and tasty takes on the ancient deviled egg to the competition for the now coveted Golden Egg Award.
Guests sampled a wide variety of inventive deviled egg creations, cast their vote for their favorite and in the process raised $7,652,30 (and still counting) for the Tuscaloosa Public Library Foundation and the Bookmobile.
Top honors went to Joe Bittick, who captured both the prestigious Golden Egg Award and the People's Choice Award, selected by attendees. Bittick's winning deviled eggs featured a deep-fried preparation that impressed judges and guests alike.
"The overwhelming response to our first Deviled Egg Throwdown exceeded expectations," event organizers and co-chairs Lisa Jones and Cory Duffey exclaimed. "The sold-out attendance, enthusiastic participation from our competitors, and strong community support made this a memorable event while helping advance the mission of the Tuscaloosa Public Library."
The event was made possible through the generous support of presenting sponsors B.F. Goodrich, Harrison Construction Company, and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.
Organizers expressed gratitude to all participating restaurants, sponsors, volunteers, performers, and attendees who helped make the inaugural event a success. They are already using Saturday's success as momentum for next year's competition.
The Deviled Egg Throwdown is a community culinary competition created to raise awareness and support for the Tuscaloosa Public Library. The event brings together local restaurants, food enthusiasts, and community supporters for a fun and unique celebration of one of the South's most beloved dishes.
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