Saturday, in Lincoln City, Robert, John and Dace Berzins and I were chowder judges at the annual Chowder Cook-off. Below is a picture and description found on their website. I took the job seriously and didn't even stop to sit or have a beer as most people were doing. Robert and I liked the one from Quimby's, a place we had never heard of until this event. It is in Historic Nye Beach in Newport, 740 W Olive St. We also liked Blackfish's chowder. We have eaten at Blackfish many times.
It was the place to be. We saw five other Bella Beach cottage owners there, plus my cousin, Susan Hauser, who was doing research on an article she is doing on clam chowder for an Oregon magazine.
The competition includes chefs throughout Oregon competing to take home one of three titles: Best Chowder, Best Seafood Chowder, and Best Signature Dish, and you get to help decide the Best of the Best. All festival guests may sample the chowder for a token cost, buy a bowl of their favorite chowder or a supply to take home for dinner, and vote on their favorite chowder. Along with chowder, there will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and much more fun for the whole family to enjoy.
