Celebrated New Jersey Culinary Experts Oversee Critics Choice Awards at October 5 Chowderfest

SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. - Sept. 25, 2014 - PRLog -- Ed Hitzel, publisher of Ed Hitzel’s Restaurant Magazine,  host of Ed Hitzel’s Radio Show and TV show has once again assembled a distinguished panel of judges that span the shore to bestow the coveted Critics Choice Award for New England and Manhattan Chowders fro 16 competing restaurants. Hitzel stated  " We are looking for the quality of ingredients, the correct spicing, great flavor and anything that makes the chowder stand out as outstanding, including simplicity and creativity that works. The judges take this mission very seriously and ponder each chowder thoroughly. The Critic's Choice Award for 2013 went to Lefty's Tavern Red and Phillips Seafood White Chowders.

Hitzel, has presided over coordinating the critics for several years and goes through great lengths to bring in new judges with a variety of culinary and hospitalitly backgrounds. 2014 panel includes Neil Elsohn, renowned chef and founder/owner of Water’s Edge, Cape May and Gertrude’s, Ventnor, Demetrious Haronis, award winning Executive Chef Fin at Tropicana and participant in national seafood competitions. Michael Huber, writer for The Press of Atlantic City, chef educator at the Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing and is “The Cranky Chef” appearing on Hitzel’s radio show and magazine, Ed Blake, owner of Blake and Associates, hospitality employment, Adrien Vongphachanh, former Borgata chef, and contributor for Hitzel publications. Ms. Camille DeCaro, chef and author, Ms. Phyllis Oppenheimer, representing NJ Dept. of Travel and Tourism, Angela Musto, home chef and graphic designer, Paul Tonacci, owner AC Bottle Company and Iron Room, Atlantic City, wine columnist for the AC Press, George Wackenheim, writer, wine connoisseur, Carmen Marotta, owner, Tony Mart’s Productions and chef, from the family that owned the famous Tony Marts in Somers Point, John Mahoney, international wine journalist and educator, Dan McMahon, multi credentialed food enthusiast, Donna Vassallo, Director of Career Education for Atlantic Cape Community College,  former restaurant owner, Donna Albano, Professor of Hospitality for Richard Stockton College and former restaurant owner. Ed Hitzel will also be included in the judging, with his extensive  background covering  the food industry in New Jersey with print, radio, TV and manufacturing a no salt spice. His popular quarterly dining guide in both southern and central New Jersey, and magazine with commentary on virtually every white tablecloth restaurant within those region. His Table for One radio show airs on WOND-1400AM Atlantic City among other stations broadcasting into Delaware and Pennsylvania.

The Chowderfest Cook Off on Sunday Oct 5 features live music by Hawkins Road, local gourmet food tent, and the restaurants competing for critics choice as well as popular vote from festival attendees  include white chowder Country Kettle Chowda, The Chicken or the Egg, TGI Friday’s Manahawkin, The Stockton Seaview, Howard’s, Phillips, Resorts,  Arcadia Rehab & Nursing. The red chowder Lefty’s, Shore Fire Grille, Sea Oaks Country Club, The Black Whale, Stefano’s, The Maine Course, Southern Smoke and Cuisine on the Green. Sunday’s cook off is a ticketed event General Admission for Sunday Chowder Cook Off Classic includes entry at 11am unlimited tasting, $20 Children 12 and under are $10. Children three and under are free.  VIP includes 10am admission plus Taster T Shirt $50 Event runs until 5pm, when Award Ceremony will take place with winners of the day. Go to www.chowderfest.com for tickets, shuttle and parking information or by stopping into the Southern Ocean County Chamber Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom 609 494 7211. Tickets will also be available for sale at the event. Merchant Mart takes place on the field Saturday October 4 and brings vendors, merchandise, live music during a free event under the tents 10am-4pm.