East Haddam Chowder Cook-off is Saturday

A previous winner in the annual East Haddam chowder cook-off… the New England clam chowder in a bread roll created by The Riverhouse. Contributed photo.

East Haddam Village will be the place to be on Saturday for clam chowder lovers.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. on March 23, it’s the 10th Annual Chowder Cook-off .  (March 24 rain date).

All the East Haddam participants will share their best recipes in tastings.

The Cook-off is hosted by La Vita Gustosa and Gelston House, and they will once again compete for the top title. Fox Hopyard Golf Club’s “On the Rocks” restaurant will defend their 2012 “People’s Choice Chowder.”

Newcomers this year include Town Tavern, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Franklin Academy, and East Haddam Business Association.

Also vying for the People’s Choice “silver soup ladle” prize is the special candy chowder served up by Hillside Sweet Shoppe in 2012 that includes the best gummy fish, candy clams, sweet peas and carrots this side of the Connecticut River.

Participants are also judged for “Best Table Décor.”

For a $10 fee ($5 for children 12 and under), tasters receive a 10th Anniversary commemorative Chowder mug and a sample of all the chowders.

Proceeds will be donated to East Haddam charities and local non-profit organizations.  .

The mug, designed by Sharon Chemacki of the East Haddam Art League, features an image of the East Haddam Swing Bridge which is celebrating its centennial anniversary, and Goodspeed Opera House which is celebrating its 50-year history.

The artist’s drawing was inspired by reading about the history of DOT Bridge #1138, the view overlooking the river from Haddam’s Eagle Landing State Park, a flag flying above the East Haddam Senior Center, and clouds above the Nathan Hale-Ray High School soccer fields.

Also, returning for the third year to coincide with the Cook-off, the East Haddam Business Association’s Business Expo will be inside at the Gelston House.  Area businesses will showcase their goods and services, offer coupons, free raffles, samples and information.  Meet some of the folks who can help you keep your money local – save gas, save time, save money!

The Cook-off always is a sell-out event, so plan to arrive by noon if you want a chance to taste everything.

Posted March 20, 2013

Have a news item, event or Letter to the Editor you’d like posted on this news site? Simply send your information to editor@htnp.com and include your town in the subject line of your email. Please also include a phone number where you can be reached if there are questions. If you’re interesting in reaching our readers with information about your business, please email maheu@htnp.com  For daily updates on local and Connecticut news, “like” us on Facebook at HTNP News https://www.facebook.com/HTNPnews and find us on our NEW  Twitter page at HTNP News (@HTNPNews )