What's black & white and red all over? Well if you said a zebra with a sun burn, you're only half right. A referee is also known as a "zebra" because of the black & white striped shirt they wear, just like the new Chowdafest mascot called "Chef Ref". Chef Ref is just one of the many new additions to be announced throughout the month to this year's culinary competition, which is held annually on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
"More and more people are making it a tradition to come to Chowdafest as part of their pre-Super Bowl plans" said Jim Keenan, event creator and organizer. "Our new mascot is part chef, part ref. The perfect combination to remind people they can come and be part of this culinary competition that takes place early on Super Bowl Sunday and not miss the big game later that night". Chowdafest takes place between 11 am and 3 pm at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard, conveniently right off exit 27 on I-95 in Bridgeport.
Chowdafest, presented by Stop & Shop, will feature twenty eight highly recognized chefs/restaurants across Connecticut with a total of 32 entries, eight in each of the four competition categories. Adults and kids alike are given a spoon, pencil and ballot when they enter the arena. They then sample chowder, soup and bisque and vote on their favorites. Kids get a free chef hat to decorate while supplies last. Chowdafest benefits Connecticut Food Bank and tickets are just $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 6-12 which are available at the arena box office. Chowdafest fans can save $2 on every adult ticket ($10) with an advanced ticket purchase at any New Haven and Fairfield County Stop & Shop locations (cash only please).
"Chef Ref" will be making many appearances throughout the month, most notably at designated Stop & Shop locations, handing out balloons and promoting Chowdafest.
Mascot Schedule:
Sat. Jan. 11 – FIAT of Fairfield County in Stamford (12:00-1:30)
Sat. Jan. 11 – Sound Tiger game at the Webster Bank Arena (7:00)
Sun. Jan. 12 – Sound Tiger game at Webster Bank Arena (3:00)
Fri. Jan. 17 – Stop & Shop in Westport (3:30 - 5:30)
Sat. Jan. 18 – Stop & Shop in Stamford (Bedford St. 12:00 - 1:30)
Sat. Jan. 18 – Stop & Shop in Darien (Noroton Heights 2:30 – 4:00)
Sun. Jan 19 – Stop & Shop in Norwalk (Main Ave. 11:30 – 1:00)
Sun. Jan 19 – Stop & Shop in Norwalk (CT Ave. 1:30 – 2:30)
Sun. Jan 19 – Sound Tiger game at the Webster Bank Arena (3:00)
Fri. Jan. 24 – Stop & Shop in Bridgeport (3:30 – 5:30)
Sat. Jan. 25 – Stop & Shop in Milford (12:00 – 1:30)
Sat. Jan. 25 – Stop & Shop in Stratford (2:30 – 4:00)
Fri. Jan. 31 – Stop & Shop in Shelton (3:30 – 5:30)
Sat. Feb. 1 – Stop & Shop in Trumbull (11:30 – 1:00)
Sat. Feb. 1 – Stop & Shop in Monroe (1:30 – 2:30)
Sat. Feb. 1 – Sound Tiger game at Webster Bank Arena (3:00)
Sun. Feb. 2 – Chowdafest (11:00 – 3:00)
About Chowdafest:
Chowdafest is the premier culinary competition in CT and second largest such event in all of New England. It's an annual fundraiser benefiting the CT Food Bank where attendees sample 32 decadent chowders, soups and bisque from 28 restaurants, then rate each soup which determines the winners. Admission is just $12 adults and $5 for kids 6-12.
Chowdafest will be held Feb. 2, 2014 from 11am to 3pm at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard conveniently off exit 27 on I-95 in Bridgeport. This zero waste event is presented by Stop & Shop and sponsored by The Farmer's Cow, FIAT of Fairfield County, World Centric, Cracker Barrel, Sierra Nevada Brewery, E. & J. Gallo Winery, Chabaso Artisan Bakery, Frontier Soups, Victoria Fine Foods, Westminster Crackers, The Trumbull Marriott, Star 99.9, CT Bites.com, Omnon.com, HamletHub.com, Sustainable America and Clarke, New England's Official Sub-Zero & Wolf Showroom & Kitchen.
About Stop & Shop
The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC employs approximately 60,000 associates and operates 400 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey. The company helps support local communities fight hunger, combat childhood cancer and promote general health and wellness – with emphasis on children's educational and support programs. In its commitment to be a sustainable company, Stop & Shop is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council and EPA's Smart Way program; has been awarded LEED (EB) certifications for 54 of its existing stores; and has been recognized by the EPA for the superior energy management of its stores. Stop & Shop is an Ahold company. To learn more about Stop & Shop, visit www.stopandshop.com or www.facebook.com/stopandshop.