Chow down on chowder

Yes, Monday's barely over and I'm already thinking about the weekend. Here's one event I hope to hit on Saturday: the 12th annual chowder cookoff on the waterfront. This is the news release which found its way to my in box:

Nothing says Seattle more than the waterfront and a bowl of hot, tasty clam chowder. But which Seattle waterfront restaurant serves the best clam chowder?

You’ll have a chance to sample and vote on the best chowders around during the Twelfth Annual Seattle Waterfront Chowder Cook-Off during the Seattle Maritime Festival. Best of all – all net proceeds benefit Seattle maritime youth and community organizations.

Nine restaurants are participating in this year’s Cook-Off, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, May 10. Participants include: Anthony’s Pier 66, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Elliott’s Oyster House, The Crab Pot, The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar, Ivar’s, Steamer’s Seafood Cafe at Pier 56, TASTE at the Olympic Sculpture Park and Todd English’s Fish Club.


To join in the fun, purchase a Chowder Passport for only $5 at all participating restaurants or at the festival information booth at Pier 62/63 or Pier 66. Your Passport gives you the chance to enjoy a three-ounce sample of all chowders. Special chowder tasting areas will be created inside each restaurant.

The Chowder Passport includes a ballot for the People’s Choice Award. Also, you can enter to win free dinners from each participating restaurant.

All proceeds from the 2008 Chowder Cook-Off benefit the Seattle Propeller Club, which provides financial support for organizations such as the Sea Scouts, Youth Maritime Training Association, Catholic Seamen’s Club and other maritime programs.