JEKYLL ISLAND — What was once a simple food pairing rooted in the South, shrimp and grits has become a menu-must for restaurants across the country.  Shrimp and Grits:  The Wild Georgia Shrimp Festival, the only event in the country dedicated to this quintessential Southern dish, begins today and ends Sunday.
Set in the Jekyll Island Club Hotel’s historic district, the festival will include amateur and professional cooking competitions, shrimp boat excursions, shrimp-eating contests, cooking demonstrations, races and entertainment.
“The Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival is a great time to enjoy the beauty of Jekyll Island while dining on delicious coastal cuisine caught right off the Georgia coast,” said Beth Burnsed, director of special events for Jekyll Island. “We began the Shrimp and Grits Festival as a way to showcase Jekyll Island and wild Georgia shrimp. As more and more restaurants began serving shrimp and grits, we realized that we were at the forefront of a growing trend. We are thrilled to host such a prominent and highly anticipated signature event.”
In celebration, September has been declared “Wild Georgia Shrimp Month” on Jekyll Island and the neighboring Golden Isles, and some of the South’s finest professional and amateur chefs will compete for the coveted title of “best shrimp and grits” recipes in the country.