TORONTO — Ocean Wise’s 2016 Chowder Chowdown — an annual culinary competition showcasing Ontario chefs’ best chowder recipes in support of sustainable seafood — takes place November 15.
This year, 14 Ocean Wise restaurants will share original chowder dishes with seafood lovers in the Distillery District. The all-night chowder sampling will be coupled with beverage options ranging from craft beers — such as Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company and Steam Whistle Brewery beers — to wines from Whitehaven Winery.
“Chowder Chowdown has gotten better every year since we began hosting it. Ontario’s top chefs bring their game face — and their mouthwatering chowder recipes – to the table and foodies and beer fans get their fill,” says Ann-Marie Copping, program manager at Ocean Wise. “There’s always a great energy, because everyone is excited to support sustainable seafood and to root for the exemplary Ocean Wise ambassadors in their own backyard. We’ve seen such great momentum in this city as consumers increasingly care about the health of our lakes, rivers and oceans and get on board with the sustainable seafood movement.”
The official Chowder Chowdown champion will be selected by a panel of judges. A People’s Choice Award winner will also be determined, based on ballot submissions from attendees. Former Chowder Chowdown champion Patrick McMurray of Ceílí Cottage will be in attendance, as head of an oyster bar.
This year’s list of competitors includes:
- Brassaii — chef Marcus Monteiro
- Bruce Wine Bar — chef Shaun Edmonstone
- The Chase, The Chase Fish & Oyster and Little Fin — executive chef Nigel Finley
- Chef’s Plate — culinary director Daniel Henderson
- Distillery Events and Archeo — chef de cuisine Joshua Dyer
- Hooked Inc. — chef Kendall Collingridge
- Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa — sous chef Andrew Lecky
- Locale Mercatto — executive chef Doug Neigel
- Pure Spirits Oyster House & Grill — chef Jonathan Viau
- The Restaurant at Peninsula Ridge Winery — executive chef Matt Hemmingsen
- Rodney’s Oyster House — chef Rodrigo de Romana
- Rosemont General Store — chef Jason Reiner
- Scout Canning — chef Charlotte Langley
Tickets to the event can be purchased here.
