Chowder Cook-Off Prepares for 30th Anniversary

The Newport Yachting Center’s 30th Annual Knorr^® Great Chowder Cook-Off, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011 from noon to 6 p.m., is preparing to celebrate its 30^th anniversary in style with close to two dozen competitors, including all three winners from last year’s competition, 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. 

The competition boasts 3,000 gallons of delicious chowder prepared by the nation's best chefs who serve samples of their sumptuous creations to the thousands of chowder loving festival attendees who double as judges.  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. 

And now, for the first time, hardcore chowder fans who purchase an advanced ticket to the competition through May 27^th will receive automatic membership into the “Chowdahead” Club as a thank you for their support over the years.  Membership offers exclusive access to the festival’s “Chowder Power Hour” at 11:00 a.m., one hour before the gates officially open from noon – 6:00 p.m.  Chowder enthusiasts can meet the chefs, greet participating team members and taste all of their savory creations with ease.  Children under 12-years-old are free with an adult.

“The competition is going to be as thick as ever as we plan to have close to 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,” said Mike Martin, Director of Newport Waterfront Events at the Newport Yachting Center.  “And to mark the event’s 30^th year, we’re anticipating that all our competitors will take us over the 100,000 mark in total number of gallons of chowder served since the event’s inception in 1982.”  Martin added that attendees will also enjoy a number of newcomers hoping to stir things up, including Stefano’s Seafood Restaurant from Long Beach Island, New Jersey and the Melville Grille located in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

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.

And, if chowder lovers are looking to eat something without using a spoon, check out Chef Timothy at the Knorr^® Kitchen who will be cooking up the title-sponsor’s recipes featuring Knorr^® Granulated Bouillon, Knorr^® Sauces and Knorr^® Dips. Additionally, Barefoot Wines will be back with the popular "Barefoot Beach" where attendees can sample different wine varietals and play games to win prizes.  Or, you can relax at the Amstel Light Beer Garden and enjoy a libation from the authentic Amstel Light Beer Bike from Amsterdam. 

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.

After a close competition, last year's chowder winners were "Best Clam" – Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder, Cedar Key, FL; "Best Seafood" – Michael’s Seafood, Carolina Beach, NC; and "Best Creative" - The Boat House, Tiverton, RI.  The “Best Clamcake” winner was Oak Hill Tavern from North Kingstown, RI.

Other sponsors of the event include Stop & Shop, SVEDKA, Dunkin’ Donuts, Life is good., Cox Communications, Don Q Rum, Schweppes, Gold Peak, SeaWatch International, TD Bank, Cabot Cheese, Cardi’s Furniture, Pepsi, B101, Coast 93.3, and WPRI 12. 

Ticket prices for the Knorr^® Great Chowder Cook-Off are $20.00 in advance for adults (which also includes automatic Chowdahead Club membership detailed above) with a $25 price in effect after Friday, May 27. 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 (401) 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.