St. Pete Beach, Oct. 21, 2018 – The count of area restaurants competing in this year’s Chowder Challenge has swollen to 24 with the addition of three restaurants from the Tradewinds Island Resorts: RumFish Grill, Bermuda’s Steak and Seafood, and Palm Court Italian Grille. Chefs will compete for a number of awards including People’s Choice and the Golden Ladle on Veterans Day, Nov. 11 at Horan Park. Held rain or shine, Chowder Challenge is sponsored by the Pass-A-Grille Woman’s Club and the City of St. Pete Beach.
Other competitors are: Brass Monkey, Caddy’s, Chill, Crabby Bill’s, Donnie B’s, Gennaro’s, Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club, O’Maddy’s, Nori Thai, Paradise Grill, Pom Pom’s, Portofino Italian Ristorante, Sandra’s German Restaurant, Sea Hags Bar & Grill, Shells, Snappers, St. Pete Beach Mediterranean Deli, Thai Am 2, The Island Grill & Raw Bar, The Oyster Bar, and The Rowe Bar, at the Don Cesar.
This year’s celebrity judges are Tyson Grant, executive chef of Parkshore Grill; Christian Hiller, chef of Alsace French Bistro; and foodservice culinarian Bobbie Huston. They will select the chowder for the prized Golden Ladle award based on taste, appearance and presentation including the décor and ambiance of their station and the chef’s professionalism. They will also select Best in Show based on taste and appearance. Event attendees will taste and vote for their favorites for the People’s Choice award (1st, 2nd & 3rd place).
This event includes music by Nick Setteducato playing the best of the ‘60s till today; craft beers from Mastry’s Brewery and select wines, soda, water and desserts available for purchase; and a salute to veterans with a color guard, singing of the national anthem and a military induction ceremony.
More than 110 donated items, including gift certificates to many area restaurants, will be raffled off. The silent auction includes: Christmas and sunset cruises; a round of golf for four at Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club; two-night stays at the Sirata, Alden and Post Card Inn; gym memberships; dinner at a private beach house; dinner with Mayor Al Johnson; dinner for two with Laura Reiley, Tampa Bay Times’ food critic; original artwork, jewelry, car detailing; and gift baskets from Iceland, France and Italy.
Top-level Dolphin sponsors include ATM Central, Paradise News, Taco Bus and Tampa Bay Times. Estalia Will Sell Ya! – Remax Metro, Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse, Tuttorossa Pizzeria Napoletana, Kron & West Air Conditioning, RipTides, and Joann’s Interiors are Sea Turtle sponsors. Island Computer Consulting, Affinity Salon, Meze 119, Fit for Life, and Normans Liquors are Friend sponsors.
Proceeds benefit the club and its chosen charities some of which have included: Alpha House, CASA, Daystar Life Center, Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, Ronald McDonald House and Suncoast Voices for Children.
Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and kids 12 years and up, and $20 at the event. Children under 12 are free with the purchase of one adult ticket. Tickets are available via www.chowderchallengepag.com, atwww.eventbrite.com, key word Chowder Challenge, and at the following locations:
– Simply Perfect – 326 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach – 727-360-4141
– Paradise Gifts – 371 Corey Ave., St Pete Beach – 727.363.8501
– Suntan Art Center – 3300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach – 727-367-3818
– Paradiso – 104 Eighth Ave., St. Pete Beach – 727-363-8831
– Gulf Beaches Historical Museum – 115 Tenth Ave, St. Pete Beach – 727- 552-1610
– Plain Jane – 1104 Central Ave, St Petersburg – 727-600-7741
– end –