Feb 2, 2012
01:40 PM
Not Here But Near: Chowdafest in Westport
Image of Chowdafest's Chef Quahog courtesy of Jim Keenan
Blue 42…Blue 42…Hut, hut, hike!
Before you sink your teeth into a Super Bowl of chili, why not hit the Chowdafest at Bedford Middle School in Westport? Now in its fourth season, the football-themed event will take place the day before the sport’s biggest day on Saturday, February 4th.
Kids of all ages can vote for which chowder, soup, or bisque they like. In this competition, creativity is at an all time high. More than 30 different concoctions, from traditional to not so traditional, will be available to feast your eyes on—and your bellies.
“Chowdafest showcases the culinary talents of restaurants throughout the area, some of which are well kept secrets among foodies,” Jim Keenan, Chowdafest Chairman, was quoted as saying in a recent press release. “It’s also a good time to support our retail friends who support community events like this one throughout the year.”
Volunteers from the Unitarian Church in Westport have been in charge of the event since its inception. Originally, it was held at the church but quickly outgrew the space. That’s when it moved to its current site at the middle school.
It also became clear they needed more volunteers. They get much of their extra help from Sacred Heart University students. In fact, the Sacred Heart marching band will be there to entertain the masses.
“We had such a great time last year that our kids definitely wanted to be part of Chowdafest again” said Keith Johnston, Sacred Heart’s Director of Bands.
Keenan went on to say that holding it at the middle school allows for hundreds of people to walk through their doors and taste great food. But more than that, it is a community outreach program. They raise funds for the Connecticut Food Bank, the non-profit organization that works to alleviate hunger in the state.
“We’re looking forward to a record attendance because it’s the perfect time of year for soup and chowder,” says Keenan. “It’s also good timing because many people only think of the hungry around the holidays and the need is just as great afterwards, especially when donations decline.”
Stop & Shop will be on of the main sponsors for Chowdafest this year. The company will also promote it with appearances by Chef Quahog, the event’s mascot, in 15 of the area’s supermarkets. Appearances started in mid-January and will run through the end of the month.
Want to support your local watering hole? Check out this year’s line-up: Ash Creek Saloon, Boathouse at Saugatuck, Blue Lemon, Bobby Q’s, Cactus Rose Cantina, Crab Shell, Da Pietro’s, Dunville’s, Ginger Man, Liquid Lunch, Los Cabos, Mansion Clam House, Nicholas Roberts Gourmet Bistro, Old Post Tavern, O’Neill’s, Restaurant at Rowayton, River House, Rory’s, Southport Brewing, Super Duper Weenie Dog, Tavern on Main, and The Brewhouse.
Defending champions include the Mansion Clam House for their classic clam chowder, SBC for the most creative chowder, and Nicholas Roberts for the best soup or bisque.
The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bedford Middle School located at 88 North Avenue in Westport. Adult admission is $6 and admission for children under 12 is $2.
For additional information about Chowdafest, please visit www.chowdafest.org or email event chairperson Jim Keenan at chowdafest@optonline.net.
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