Chowdafest in Westport: Chefs Get Ready to Compete

Stephanie Webster

Get ready to Chowda! On February 5th the third annual Chowdafest competition will be held in Westport from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at Bedford Middle School. More than 20 different chowders, soups and bisques will be available for sampling. This fun-for-the-whole-family event will raise money for the Connecticut Food Bank. Last year’s Chowdafest brought in enough money and canned food for The CT Food Bank to provide 15,000 meals. Come on down and show your support while you vote for your favorite entry prepared by the great group of local restaurants below:

Ash Creek Saloon (Bridgeport & Norwalk), DaPietros (Westport), Ginger Man (Norwalk), Italian Corner Deli (Norwalk), Liquid Lunch (Shelton/Milford), Los Cabos (Norwalk), Mansion Clam House (Westport), MacKenzies (Fairfield), O'Neills (Norwalk), Outback Steakhouse (Wilton), River House (Westport), Rory's (Darien), Savin Rock (Norwalk), Soup Alley (Norwalk & Wilton), Southport Brewing Co. (Stamford, Southport, Shelton), Tavern on Main (Westport), and Tuckers (Fairfield0.

"We chose to hold this year's Chowdafest in February to benefit the Connecticut Food Bank. Most people think of donating around the holidays, so supplies can be sparse in the late winter months," said Jim Keenan, chairman of Chowdafest. "By holding this event in February, we hope to bring fresh supplies to the hungry plus some fun to winter-weary local residents. Our restaurant partners are enthusiastic supporters of our cause and generous donors of their time and culinary talents."

Adult admission is $6. Admission for children under 12 is $2. Admission will be reduced by $1 for adult attendees bringing canned goods, which will be donated to the food bank.

For more information check out the Chowdafest web site.  Click here for Chowdafest 2009 Video

WHEN? "SOUP'er Bowl Saturday
Saturday Feb. 5, 2011 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WHERE? Bedford Middle School in Westport (located near Staples High School)
88 North Avenue
Westport, CT,

HOW MUCH? Adults are $6 (SAVE $1 by bringing a can of non-perishable food) Kids are just $2. Kids get free stickers, temporary tattoos and can compete in a fun chef hat decoration contest.

WHAT TO BRING? Besides your appetite, family and friends.....
Please bring a box or can of non-perishable food to donate and save $1 off the adult admission.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND

We hope you can make this fantastic event but if you can't and still want to make a difference: You can send a check for any amount to: CT Food Bank c/o Chowdafest 10 Lyons Plain Road Westport, CT 06880 Thanks!!