Local seafood restaurants competed for the best chowder awards, at the Second Annual Chowder Challenge at Hurley Park in Historic Pass-a-Grille Saturday, November 9.
The RumFish Grill at TradeWinds Resort received the Golden Ladle award for their Caribbean Lionfish Chowder, while the People’s Choice
awards went to Shells (first place), Gennaro’s (second) and Friendly Fisherman (third). Celebrity Chefs’ Choice was awarded by Joyce LaFray, Ann Palumbo, Mary Lou Janson and Ann Kelly to Shark Tales.
Steen at the Friendly Fisherman said it was the first time the restaurant participated in the challenge. “It’s been great,” she said. “We’re getting a lot of good feedback. A lot of people like our chowder, so that’s exciting. Going out with a bang!”
The challenge was organized by the non-profit Friends of Gulf Beaches Historical Museum to raise funds for the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum that preserves and educates on the island’s history since 1993. Jean Kelly, volunteer with the Friends, said, “Everybody’s having a great time, the chowder’s amazing, the weather’s perfect.”