Keg and Barrel in Ocean Springs holds Chili and Gumbo Cook-Off

The Keg and Barrel Restaurant opened in Ocean Springs in 2020 and already has a cook-off event under its belt.

Saturday’s event had a block party atmosphere as patrons drank and ate their fill.

Motorists coasting along Bienville Boulevard with their windows down were treated to the savory aromas of Keg and Barrel General Manager Derek Cowart’s brainchild – the inaugural chili and gumbo cook off.

Droves of tasters flocked to the back parking lot, filling their bowls and their cups with homemade southern classics.

Categories for the cook off included traditional and non-traditional chili, and of course the gumbo, as teams each brought a unique vision of the ideal dish.

As News 25 spoke with Mr. Tim Wold, a passerby commented: ‘I know that’s a Wold gumbo.’ Tim told us what makes his recipe special. “Probably a lot of love. It’s mainly the cast-iron pot I’ve been cooking in for 20 years. There’s a lot of history in the pot, with jambalaya, beans, different things that I cook.”

Cowart tells News 25 that his event was a success, especially considering the chilly wind and that it’s the first cook off since opening. “Because it’s our first one, no one really knew what to expect around here. A lot of people made the trip down from Hattiesburg and they know what we’re into. But people from Ocean Springs, the local crowd, so far so good, I’m hearing.”

The Keg provided some unique trophies, as well as bragging rights, to spur the competition. Needless to say, it was a special afternoon for the burgeoning restaurant – which has two other locations in Hattiesburg. “Just to have everybody come out and support a local business, it’s always nice you know. Proceeds are going to go to Lord is My Hope, a soup kitchen here in town, so.”

With the cook off’s success, the Keg hopes to bring it back for next year.