In Photos: Chowder Cook-Off

This past Saturday, June 4, the Newport Yachting Center hosted its 30th annual Chowder Cook-Off.

0 of 0

“Fantastic weather and some really great chowder brought out upwards of ten thousand guests to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with us,” said Festival Director at Newport Yachting Center, Mike Martin. “It was encouraging to have Mother Nature on our side this year as in 2010 we were dodging rain squalls and tornado-warnings in various parts of RI."

Photos (10)

Photos

Stella Blues, from Warren, made an appearance for their fourth year in a row. Last year coming in third, owner Brian Aspesi is excited for another round of cooking Chowder. “It’s the thirst for competition that keeps me coming back,” said Aspesi. “It’s a fun event and I cannot wait to see what we’re up against. Pictured here are friends and helpers for the day, Lindsay, Regan and Leslie Moore.

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

Castle Hill, which is associated with the Newport Harbor Corporation along with the Newport Yachting Center have been coming back for years. Executive Chef, Jonathan Cambra is in his eleventh year of participating in the Chowder Cook-Off (pictured here with Denise Riberay). “Last year we didn’t place but we had a really fun time,” said Cambra. “This year we have the winning chowder, which is one of the only ones in competition that has seafood but no meat.” Castle Hill took home third place in the Seafood Chowder category.

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

Melville Grille had a great day, taking home second place in the Seafood Chowder category with its Portuguese shrimp chowder along with the “Best Decorated Booth” prize. Owner, Scott Cowell in his first year of participating in the Cook-Off was raring to go as the first guests arrived in the morning. “This is our signature chowder at Mellville Grille,” said Cowell. “I have family, friends and fantastic people helping me out today, which is great.”

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

The Yachting Center was packed all day. Here, Santa and Plum Lighthouse’s mascot Plumy exchanged fashion tips in the morning before the crowd really started to filter in.

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

Trio which has also been coming back year after year brought along its new Executive Chef Mike Conetta who attended the event with the Mooring Restaurant for the past four years. “There are definitely more people here than last year,” said Conetta. “It is such a fun event and I think the weather really encouraged a great turnout.” Trio, finished third place in the cook-off.

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

“Fantastic weather and some really great chowder brought out upwards of ten thousand guests to celebrate our 30th Anniversary with us,” said Festival Director at Newport Yachting Center, Mike Martin. “It was encouraging to have Mother Nature on our side this year as in 2010 we were dodging rain squalls and tornado-warnings in various parts of RI."

Credit Kirsten Ferguson

Upload Photos and Videos

This past Saturday proved a success for the Newport Yachting Center’s Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off, which celebrated its 30^th anniversary with over 10,000 guests and lots of chowder to go around. With three categories; Clam Chowder, Creative Chowder and Seafood Chowder, four Newport restaurants took home podium finishes, including Castle Hill Inn, 22 Bowens, The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar and Ocean Breeze Café.

Related Topics: Festivals, Knorr's Great Chowder Cook-Off, and Restaurants

Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.