Calling all Chefs! Download the 2017 Chowder Challenge Application

In the tastiest event of the popular Whale & Jazz festival, local chefs & cooks vie for the title of “Best Mendonoma Coast Chowder” in the 14th Annual Chowder Challenge.

Do you have what it takes to beat last year’s winner, The Pier Chowder House and Tap Room, who are coming back to defend their title?  Or maybe you have Grandma’s secret recipe that has the magic ingredient that will take home the gold!

Restaurants participating so far include Bird Cafe in Point Arena, Ocean Cove Lodge Bar & Grill in Ocean Cove, the Russian House in Jenner, Anchor Bay store in Anchor Bay, and the Arts Center’s Tuesday Guys!

As usual, two categories will be judged, Traditional New England-style Clam Chowder and Open Class. Challenge attendees will vote for People’s Choice and Most Tasted awards.

The Open Class includes but is not limited to Manhattan-style Clam, Crab, Shrimp, Scallop, Lobster, Abalone, Salmon, or any other seafood combination. Vegetarian Chowders such as corn or mushroom chowder are also eligible.

This family-friendly midday event will have a Mardi Gras theme with beads, masks and celebrations! So, wear your Fat Tuesday attire and be ready for anything!

A highlight each year is the concert of traditional New Orleans jazz, this year performed once again by the ever-popular “Barnebey’s Hot Four” of Sonoma County, returning to the Gualala Arts Center for the tenth straight year. The repertoire for the afternoon will include old favorites, the resurrection of some obscure musical gems from the golden age of jazz, and probably a few surprises for musicians and listeners alike, all in the tradition of the Big Easy. Those wanting to work off their chowder tasting with dancing will find themselves toe-tapping and boot-stomping as the infectious beats of New Orleans pushes them towards the dance floor!