11th Annual Chowder Cook Off

Thanks to the Venice Restaurant for providing us the space and all the amenities; thanks to the restaurants who brought some of the best chowders that we have ever tasted and to the Chef teachers and the students who showed themselves to be professional and talented as well; to Joe Nigrelli of Nigrelli's Jewelry, who supplies us with all the award plaques we need throughout the year; and thanks to Chris DiPaola and WBLQ for bringing his radio community to the Venice.  The success of this event is due to their generous contribution of time and talents.  We are also grateful that Chef Frank Terranova, of Johnson & Wales University and WJAR's That's Cooking with Class, joined us to select a Chef's Choice in the two categories.  He was hoping to bring two or three additional chefs along to help him but handled it admirably - tasting each chowder and visiting at each table.  He finally chose Shelter Harbor Inn and Westerly High School Highland Grille.

 

For our People's Choice awards  ---

        Restaurants     1st Place:  Shelter Harbor Inn    

                                 2nd Place:  Famous Pizza   

                                 3rd Place:  Casa Della Luce

        Culinary students        1st Place:  Westerly HS Highland Grille    

                                            2nd Place:  Woonsocket Area Career & Tech

                                            3rd Place:  Newport Area Career & Tech

 

We are also very grateful for the support of our sponsors:  Andrea Beach Bar, Avie's Ski/Sport, L&M/Westerly Hospital and Valenti Subaru.

 

A special thank you also goes out to Rotarian family members Ada Elmer, Kim Rayner-Russell and Caitlin Rayner-Russell for giving up their day to help keep things moving along and former Westerly Rotarian and current ADG Rona Mann also not only came to taste the chowders but lent a hand cleaning tables and serving water. 

 

Some special visitors included District Governor Nominee Russell Bertrand and Karen Bertrand, Representative and Mrs.Sam Azzinaro and former Westerly Rotarian Mike Smith and his family.

 

See the Photo Album section for more pictures.