Chefs have twice the fun preparing for national seafood contest; Chat 'n' Chew
By Rosey Robards, FINAL EDITION

Stefani Marnon, former executive chef at the governor's mansion, first saw Anchorage's Naomi Everett on the Food Network last year as she represented Alaska in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.

"From seeing her on TV, I immediately liked her," Marnon said.

Marnon was in Everett's shoes the two previous years when she was chosen to compete against cooks from across the U.S. for the title of "best American seafood chef."

This year, Gov. Sarah Palin decided to send both ladies to represent Alaska. The governor usually picks one chef, but in 2006, a competition was held instead. Everett won the Great Alaska Seafood Cook-Off and a trip to New Orleans behind her Alaska Halibut, Salmon and King Crab Roulade.

In preparation for the 2007 cook-off Aug. 4-6, Everett flew to Juneau and spent three days with Marnon.

"It was three days of giggling and producing amazing food," Marnon said.

"We got on fabulously," Everett added.

The two-day competition will give the chefs a chance to show off their best work and provide a recipe that is doable for the at-home cook. What will they prepare?

"I can't tell," Everett said. The two are even waiting until the last minute to send their recipe in to the competition so no one can steal their ideas.

"I can say the first day will revolve around halibut cheeks and the second day king salmon," Everett said. "But that is it."

Last year's winners were a team from Florida, so Alaska's duo hopes their collaboration will be as successful.

In breaks from competition, they are going to enjoy the New Orleans cuisine scene.

"We're going to eat our brains out," Everett said.

One stop will be John Besh's Restaurant August. Besh was the 2004 cook-off champion.

"We're excited to be showing off Alaska and bragging about everything she has to offer," Marnon said. "Our stuff is the best."

? Daily News reporter Rosey Robards can be reached at rrobards@adn.com

Stefani Marnon

Age: 41

Credentials: Marnon is the former executive chef at the Alaska governor's mansion in Juneau and was the governor's chef for more than eight years. But Gov. Sarah Palin made a culinary cut last month in an effort to save funds, announcing the mansion would no long need a gourmet chef. Marnon also worked at The Summit and helped open Silverbow Bagels in Juneau. She earned an associate's degree in culinary arts at the New England Culinary Institute.

Naomi Everett

Title: Instructor with the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program at UAA

Age: 36

Credentials: Everett was executive chef at Marx Brothers Cafe at the Museum and Settlers Bay Lodge in Wasilla. She earned an associate's degree in culinary arts at UAA and is working toward her bachelor's degree in hospitality and restaurant management.

Gov. Sarah Palin has selected a team of two chefs -- Stefani Marnon and Naomi Everett -- to represent Alaska in the 2007 Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. "She didn't think it would be fair to pick one over the other," Everett said.
Photo by MARILYN HOLMES for Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute