CJ's Wins Annual Winterfest Chowder Cook-Off
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Hundreds gathered at St. Anthony's Parish Hall on Saturday afternoon to chow down on 14 varieties of chowder at the 12th annual Cook-Off and, astonishingly, there was overwhelming agreement for the top three chowders.
Over the years, there's been some overlap between the judges and cook-off attendees, but this year the results were exactly the same: CJ's Pub at the top, perennial favorite Boston Sea Foods in second and Freight Yard Pub at third.
Last year, Red Sauce Ristorante took the judge's prize, with Boston Sea Foods and Berkshire Food Project as runners-up. People's Choice went to Gramercy Bistro, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (Aramark) Dining Services and North Adams Regional Hospital Dining Services.
iBerkshires was once again one of judges and, while we can't give away the deliberations, we can say there was no disagreement on the winner. The judges — Tammy Daniels, Mayor John Barrett III and Paul Hopkins — were given numbered chowder samples and asked to evaluate them on taste, consistency and visual appeal.
So congratulations to the winners and better luck next time to the rest. There's always next year.
Posted Feb. 28, 2009
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The area's best clam chowder makers are ready for the hungry hordes expected for the 12th annual Winterfest Chowder Cook-Off on Saturday.
Some 13 restaurants (one bringing two different versions of chowder) have been told to "bring a couple gallons more this year and be little more severe with the ladle," said Rod Bunt of the Mayor's Office of Tourism. "The longer someone can stay in the competition, the better chance they have to win."
Last year, an estimated 1,000 people slurped up gallons of chowder, leading many of the purveyors scraping the bottom of their proverbial buckets long before the event ended.
Organizers went through more than 2,500 cups and spoons — and had to run out for 600 more.
This year, local supermarkets have stepped up with 3,000 bowls and spoons. "We can handle a big old crowd," said Bunt.
The Cook-Off takes place at the former St. Anthony's Parish Center, now St. Elizabeth's, from noon to 2. Restaurants, caterers and food service providers will ladle up free samples all comers, who will then select the community favorite. The fee to vote is a donation to the Mohawk Theater restoration project. A judging panel of Mayor John Barrett III, Paul Hopkins of Northern Berkshire Healthcare and Tammy Daniels, editor of iBerkshires.com, will select the Cook-Off winner.
The top three in each category will receive a plaque. Last year's winners were judge's pick Red Sauce Ristorante and People's Choice Gramercy Bistro.
They will be back to defend their titles, along with past winners Boston Sea Foods Restaurant, Lickety Split and Freight Yard Pub/Taylor's Fine Dining. Other establishments include The Hub Restaurant, Isabella's/Richmond Grill (at the Holiday Inn); Gala Restaurant at the Orchards, CJ's Sports Pub, Berkshire Food Project, Tastefully Simple, North Adams Regional Hospital dining services, MCLA dining services and others. The Adams Cooperative Bank sponsors the Chowder Cook-off.
 Red Sauce chef Edward Ceccherini was last year's winner. |
Beginning at 10, visit Lars Garrison of West Mountain Farm in Stamford, Vt., and his llama upstairs in the children's department at the North Adams Public Library. Children can reach out and touch the llama, listen to a story, and enjoy free refreshments.
Hoosac Bank will be offering free hot chocolate and cookies and face painting for the kids between 10 and noon. From 1 to 3, the bank will sponsor free horse-drawn wagon rides up and down Main Street. Pick up and drop off is at 93 Main St.
At 2 p.m., Western Gateway Heritage State Park features "Shadows on the Winter Moon" with Robert Campanile using props, blacklight and shadow theater to examine how different cultures view the winter moon. Call 413-663-6312 for information.
For many, the highlight of Winterfest is the Mayor's Free Skating Party from 7 to 9 at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink at 1237 South Church St. The skating party is made possible by the mayor with support from Greylock Federal Credit Union. Area residents of all ages are invited. Skates, if needed, can be rented for a reduced price.
Mount Greylock Bowl is hosting Rock 'N Bowl for all ages from 6 to midnight. There will be refreshments at the snack bar, rock 'n' roll music and disco balls. Pick up a coupon for a dollar off bowling or shoe rental while at the Chowder Cook-Off.
During the cook-off, there will be raffles chances and information about local programs. The Fall Foliage Parade Committee will be on hand as well, said Bunt, parade director.
"We're raising awareness about the parade, and we'll have a little desktop slide show," said Bunt, adding that the committee would be making more appearances at local events, such as the Northern Berkshire Food Festival, to remind residents of the resources the parade needs to be successful. "A lot of different groups are vying for a limited amount of attention [in this economy].
"The people of this community have always stood by the parade but we can't expect it to be easy."
An entry forms for a $100 in the North Adams Transcript and at the Mayor's Office of Tourism at 6 West Main St. should be turned in to participating businesses by Saturday. Monday, March 2, the Winterfest Committee will draw a random winner from all entries on Monday and contact that person by phone.
What won't be happening is the North Adams Trolley, said Bunt. "We ran into some mechanical difficulties."
