Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Click here for Chowder Challenge application.
Other Whale and Jazz events and The Main Event: “Historic Vibes Summit”
In the tastiest event of the popular Whale & Jazz festival, local chefs & cooks vie for the title of “Best Mendonoma Coast Chowder” in the 15th Annual Chowder Challenge.
As per previous years, two categories will be judged, Traditional New England-sty
le Clam Chowder and Open Class. Challenge attendees will vote for People’s Choice and Most Tasted awards. The Open Class includes but is not limited to Manhattan-style Clam, Crab, Shrimp, Scallop, Lobster, Abalone, Salmon, or any other seafood combination. Vegetarian Chowders such as corn or mushroom chowder are also eligible.
Last year’s big winner was **Cape Fear of Duncans Mills** and they are coming back to defend their title!
2018 Chowder Challenge
Chowder participants (& sponsors):
Anchor Bay Store
Anchor Bay Thai Kitchen
Black Oak Catering
**Cape Fear**
Gualala Hotel
Pier Chowder House & Tap Room
Tuesday Guys
Vue
Event Sponsors:
The Lagunitas Brewing Co.
North Coast Brewing Co.
2018 Chowder Judges:
Barry Weiss, Gualala Arts Board President and owner of Ramshead Realty
Paddy Batchelder, Gualala Arts member and chowder connoisseur
George Marshall, Gualala Arts member and veteran chowder judge
Barnebey’s Hot Four
A highlight each year is the concert of traditional New Orleans jazz, this year performed once again by the ever-popular “Barnebey’s Hot Four” of Sonoma County, returning to the Gualala Arts Center for the tenth straight year. The repertoire for the afternoon will include old favorites, the resurrection of some obscure musical gems from the golden age of jazz, and probably a few surprises for musicians and listeners alike, all in the tradition of the Big Easy. Those wanting to work off their chowder tasting with dancing will find themselves toe-tapping and boot-stomping as the infectious beats of New Orleans pushes them towards the dance floor!
Tickets
Tickets are $25 in advance; $5 more day of the event and includes commemorative wine or beer glasses and 15 chowder-tasting tickets, complete with hot bread fresh out of the oven and beverages, including local fine wines and microbrews as well as soft beverages. Additional tasting tickets will be available onsite for $1 each. Free admission for music only.
For advance purchase, visit Brown Paper Tickets. To purchase in person, visit the Gualala Arts Center or Dolphin Gallery in Gualala.