13th Annual Chowderfest
Amy Modesti
Thousands of chowder fanatics flooded the city streets to attend and take part in the 13th Annual Chowderfest Sunday, October 13. There were plenty of long lines where hungry attendees waited patiently to sample vegetarian and non-vegetarian chowder from twelve local competitors competing in this year’s festival.
The winners included Tara’s Kitchen (1st place. Judge’s vote for Casablanca Chowder), Schenectady County Community College Food Truck (2nd Place, Judge’s vote for sweet potato and corn chowder with a shrimp and corn fritter), and The Ruck (3rd Place, Judge’s vote for Coconut gochujang sweet potato chowder). Best vegetarian and most original chowder went to The Ruck, best seafood went to Tara’s Kitchen, best booth went to Bootlegger’s on Broadway, and the People’s Choice also went to Bootlegger’s on Broadway for their lobster roasted corn chowder with corn bread crouton.
There was something fun to do for everyone. Visitors could listen to live music at Monument Square from acts such as “Pony in the Pancake,” “The Age” and “Hartley’s Encore.” Children took part in a train ride through River Street and First Street, face painting, made balloon art, played board games at the Bard and Baker booth, and painted pumpkins at the Bash Birthday Parties booth on Broadway.
The 13th Annual Troy Chowderfest was a huge success. Congratulations to all the winners in this year’s competition.