Chowder is one of those slices of culture that makes New England special. While the northeast doesn’t have a monopoly on the dish, it is a comfort food largely affiliated with the region for its time-honored preparations.
But even in its most recognized region, chowder dishes are left largely up to the creativity of those who prepare them. Chowder was introduced to North America by French and British immigrants more than 250 years ago, and was valued for its taste and being a simple dish to prepare. Today there are countless variations of chowder throughout New England and the world. For local chowder fans eager to celebrate all those varieties, this year brings another smorgasbord as the 14th Annual Chowder Fest celebrates a food with a rich, diverse, and creamy history, unlike any other.
The event, run by the SouthCoast Chamber, will take place on Sunday, October 13 from noon to 5 p.m. on City Pier 3 in New Bedford. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy samples from more than two dozen organizations, hailing from Little Compton to Wareham. Last year, over 2,500 guests attended the event.
In addition to the large tent there will also be smaller tents offering food, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails, while Acushnet Creamery will be providing ice cream. There will be live musical entertainment throughout the day and there will be family activities such as the YMCA’s lobster races, face painting, and rides on an antique fire engine courtesy of the New Bedford Fire Museum.
As always, this year’s event will feature friendly competition among the food providers – guests are able to vote for the “People’s Choice Awards” in categories such as Chowder, Seafood Chowder, Specialty Soup, Quahogs, and Best Booth Presentation. There will also be a blind Judge’s Choice Award featuring a panel of local food service professionals.
Sharp Palate
One of the judges for this year’s competition is Brendan Kurie, Digital Editor and Dine Out food critic at The Standard-Times newspaper.
“I’m excited to be back judging Chowder Fest for the third year. It’s always one of my favorite events of the year,” Kurie says. “From the delicious chowders, to discovering new restaurants and rediscovering old ones, it’s always an epicurean pleasure. And there’s always some delicious stuffies, kale soups, and signature soups. It’s always a blast getting to know the other judges and their love of food. With the live music and kids activities, it’s just a good time down on Pier 3.”
Gazelle is a disc jockey at FUN 107 radio who has been attending the event for many years. Last year he was a judge. For him the Chowder Fest experience is about more than food.
“I enjoy the social interaction,” he says. “I like being able to see people I haven’t seen for a while. I also enjoy seeing new restaurants as well as familiar ones. I like being able to walk around and talk to different chefs and get a feel for what they’re bringing to the table. It’s nice to see and taste the diverse restaurants from the New Bedford area – I look forward to chowing down on chowder.”
“The SouthCoast Chamber takes great pride in organizing Chowder Fest,” says Deven Robitaille, Program and Events Manager for the Chamber. “For one day, thousands of people gather on City Pier 3 and sample local, traditional recipes while taking part in the vibrant culture our community has to offer.”
Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 the day of, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for those under five. There is the option for VIP tickets – for $35 a guest can enjoy early admission to the event at 11 a.m., a drink voucher, a VIP bracelet, a testing tray/frisbee, and entry to win a $200 gift basket as well as coupons for local restaurants. Tickets are available at the Chamber office and online at their website southcoastchamber.com/chowderfest. For more information call (508) 999-5231 or email Deven@southcoastchamber.com.
