Newport’s Great Chowder Cook-Off Turns 30, Bigger Than Ever
Monday, May 30, 2011
It's chowder time, folks.
Not only is one of the culinary summer kick-offs upon us, but its celebrating a big anniversary. The Newport Yachting Center’s 30th Annual Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off, is coming this Saturday, June 4. Nearly two dozen competitors -- including all three winners from last year’s competition -- will be vying for “Best Clam”, ‘Best Seafood”, and Best Creative” chowder bragging rights. The event will also feature all-you-can-eat “chowda”, the opportunity to be a member of the “Chowdahead” Club, the Clam Cake Chow-Down competition, live music and a variety of entertainment for all ages.
Three thousand gallons
It takes a lot of chowder to feed the thousands of RIers who flock to Newport for this event - as much as 3,000 gallons, in fact. Chefs compete for nearly $10,000 in prize money awarded to the top three winners in each of the Clam, Seafood and Creative categories. To top off the prize pot this year, sponsor SeaWatch International will offer a $1,000 bonus to the winner in the Clam chowder category.
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“The competition is going to be as thick as ever," said Mike Martin, Director of Newport Waterfront Events at the Newport Yachting Center. "We plan to have around two dozen competitors in all categories, including last year’s winners Tony’s Seafood Restaurant from Florida and Michael’s Seafood from North Carolina who will both be attempting a third win and automatic induction into our Great Chowder Cook-Off Hall of Fame.”
New: Clam Cake Chow-Down
But it is not all about the “Chowda”. New this year will be the “Clam Cake Chow-Down” eating competition to determine who can eat a dozen clam cakes the fastest. Sure to get the competitive juices flowing among the event attendees as well, the contest will kick-off with qualifying rounds throughout the day on the Courtyard Stage which will lead up to the Clam Cake Chow-Down Grand Finals to take place at 5:45 p.m. The winner will receive a $100 cash prize with medals going to the top two finishers. There will be a liquid competition as well featuring restaurants engaged in the Mr and Mrs T Bloody Mary Battle to create the perfect bloody cocktail.
The event will also feature three stages of live musical entertainment, including Rebel Heat and The Ravers on the Shell Stage; Steel Appeal and Buddy’s Beach House on the Barefoot Beach Stage; and The Repercussions gracing the Sunset Stage. The Amica Family Fun Area featuring chef hat decorating, kidSTOPs throughout the site with activities and giveaways for children, Ron the Balloon Man with his twisted creations, Pirate Captain William Kidd & The Freemen of the Sea, fundraising activities for local non-profits and a Marketplace with a variety of crafts and specialty items will only add to the festive atmosphere.
Ticket prices for the Knorr® Great Chowder Cook-Off are $25. Children under the age of 12 are admitted to the event for FREE with a paying adult.
For more information and tickets, please visit newportwaterfrontevents.com or contact the Newport Yachting Center at 846-1600. For advance tickets and special discounts please visit newportwaterfrontevents.com. Tickets can also be purchased as walk ups seven days a week at the Newport Yachting Center Box Office on 4 Commercial Wharf (off America’s Cup Avenue) in downtown Newport.
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