It all started nearly 7 years ago in Westport, where Chowdafest all started. For four consecutive years, Chowdafest called Westport home. Residents would flock to slurp down chowders, soups and bisque while supporting their hometown restaurants that were competing in the event. People visited Westport from all over Fairfield County to support their favorite restaurants and the event grew too big for any Westport venue to hold and subsequently moved to the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.
From the humble beginnings at the Unitarian Church on Lyons Plains Road, Chowdafest has become a foodie phenomena and is now considered the premier culinary competition in New England. The popularity has even exceeded the 10,000 seat indoor arena in Bridgeport and is now moving outdoors to accommodate its growing fan base. As a matter of fact, they’re moving closer to home, in neighboring Norwalk at Calf Pasture Beach on Sun. Oct. 12th.
“We’ll always consider Westport the birthplace of Chowdafest” said event organizer Jim Keenan. “Westport has great restaurants and people who live there know their food so it’s nice to bring our event closer to where it all started.”
Westport is again well represented with several of their restaurants competing for best in state bragging rights. “My customers are thrilled about Chowdafest being literally down the road from Westport” said Chef Rigo Lino of the Mansion Clam House. Mansion Clam House has won top honors for their New England clam chowder in 2011 and 2012. “This year we’re trying to win best in state for our Rhode Island clam chowder. We’re often told it’s the best and we’re going to find out if that’s true”.
Joining Mansion Clam House will be Dunville’s who has competed in the event for the past three years, winning third place, second place and most recently first place for their Manhattan clam chowder. “It’s a great event that gets a lot of local and statewide attention” said owner Steve Carpentieri. “Chef Bob is a soup guru and I think our accomplishments proves it. We hope to defend our title but it’s never easy as the competition gets stiffer each year. Hopefully Westport will come out in droves to support us.”
Westport will also be represented by Post 154 and Westfair Fish & Chips, both new to the competition. Much is expected from Post 154 as its sister restaurants, Ginger Man (Norwalk, Greenwich) and Cask Republic (Stamford, New Haven) have earned honors in the event, including a Bowl of Fame induction for Ginger man which has won their category three times. Chef Alex Rosado is certainly talented enough to bring home another award for Westport.
“Westport Fish & Chips is well known among chowder lovers, especially purists” said Keenan. “We’re thrilled they’re in the competition as they have always been in the conversation for best chowder among those who know”. Purists are those who prefer the clear broth Rhode Island style chowder. Purists are a vocal minority and while most people prefer the classic New England creamy style chowder, they rather savor Rhode Island and Manhattan (red) chowders. Westfair offers New England, Rhode Island, Manhattan and seafood chowders as well as lobster bisque. “Westfair is the kind of place people want to keep a secret but I think the secret’s out and I think their fans will come out in droves to vote for them” he added.
While no longer in the competition, Da Pietro’s was an original participant and competed for four years until Chowdafest moved to the arena in 2013. Chef Pietro Scotti was the first chef inducted into their Bowl of Fame for his contributions and charitable efforts over the years. Other Westport restaurants to have participated in the past include Bobby Q’s, River House (now Rive Bistro) and Conte’s (now Rizzuto’s).
Chowdafest, presented by Stop & Shop, benefits Community Plates in an ongoing effort to eliminate hunger. General admission for the event is $15 for adults at the door (just $10 when purchased online) $5 for kids (6-12 years old). Kids also get a free chef hats, stickers, temporary tattoos, while supplies last. Attendees get to sample over 30 different chowders, soups & bisque, then vote on their favorites. Their vote determines the people’s choice for best in CT. Attendees also get to sample craft beer, award winning cheese & wine, premium ice cream, dairy products, sparkling beverages, artisan breads for the same price.
VIP Chowda”HOUR” tickets, sponsored by the Norwalk HOUR, are available while quantities last. The $25 ticket includes front row eats to the event with entry an hour early at 11AM with little to no lines, a reserved parking space in front of the event (parking is still $5, free with a resident pass), the official Chowdafest cap and discount on merchandise. To get tickets, please visit: www.chowdafest.org.
For additional information about Chowdafest, please visit www.chowdafest.org or email event chairperson, Jim Keenan at chowdafest@gmail.com