Chowderfest Kicks Off The Fall With Another Successful Event

Oct. 4, 2009 - PRLog -- As streams of smiling patrons came and went from the Taylor Avenue Ball Field in Beach Haven on Sunday, one thing was for sure; Chowderfest Weekend was in full swing. The event that promises ticket holders unlimited samples of their favorite chowder and a tough decision on who gets their vote. With the help of Lynn Doyle, from Comcast Philadelphia’s Emmy Award Winning Show, It’s Your Call; thousands were on hand anxiously anticipating this year's winners.

In the Red Category was Grand Champion: Stefano’s, Beach Haven Terrace First Place: The Black Whale Bar and Fish House, Beach Haven Second Place: Bistro 14, Beach Haven and Third: Sea Oaks, Little Egg Harbor. Placing in the White Category was
Grand Champion: California Grill, Beach Haven Terrace First Place: Howard’s Restaurant  Beach Haven Gardens Second Place: Greenhouse Café, Ship Bottom and Third Place Chicken or the Egg. Other honors go to : Joey’s Pizza & Pasta of  Beach Haven Terrace, Ship Bottom, Manahawkin & Waretown for Rookie of the Year. Best Booth Awards were given to  Country Kettle Chowda, Beach Haven, Sweet Jenny’s of Barnegat and Ship Bottom, California Grill and Panzone’s Pizza & Pasta of Beach Haven and Surf City. Sea Watch International awarded Christopher Moore from Chicken and the Egg a $1000 scholarship for culinary education.

An ensemble of critics and food writers were brought together by food personality, Ed Hitzel to bestow a Critic’s Choice Award. The Green House Café received recognition for white and Dock Road Crab Shack won Red.

Another highlight of the day was when Lynn Doyle bought up Lexi Sinor, a high school senior who spearheaded Operation Jersey Shore Vacation. Also on stage was  Master Sergeant  McWilliams, who recently returned from Iraq and who is a recipient of a week’s vacation rental on Long Beach Island sponsored by the project. The emotional presentation of a flag that flew over his base camp in Iraq was met with a standing ovation and overwhelming support led to multiple offers of vacation rental weeks.

The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of this year's competitors, volunteers, sponsors and festival attendees. To stay in touch with what is happening within the Long Beach Island Region of the Jersey Shore, go to VisitLBIregion.com or contact the chamber at 609 494 7211.

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