St. Augustine seafood is hard to beat and no seafood connoisseur is worth their salt without a solid, delicious chowder. Good thing St. Augustine has quite a few on offer. And if you need some help figuring out where to even start, the St. Augustine Shrine Club is hosting its First Annual Chowder Challenge to decide who makes the best chowders in north Florida (and give you a little guidance).
The competitors will enter their chowders into one of four categories–Minorcan, clam, conch, and seafood chowder. At least 20 local restaurants and groups will be participating this year and throwing their hat (…chowder?) into the ring. A judging panel of local dignitaries and culinary experts will award first, second, and third place prizes in each chowder category and the attending public will choose who receives the People’s Choice Award.
Besides the obvious deliciousness of the whole event, the Chowder Challenge has a far more important purpose. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, an institution that provides specialty orthopedic and burn care for children regardless of the family’s ability to pay. In the past, local Shriners’ events have raised an average of $30,000 annually to support this cause and now you can do your part–all while getting to enjoy local culinary delights.
The First Annual Chowder Challenge will take place at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on October 30. The event will begin at 12pm and run until 4pm. Parking at the Amphitheatre and Elks Club is free and shuttle service will be available from R.B. Hunt Elementary School. Tasting tickets are $1 each, in advance or at the gate.
For more information on this event, visit www.staugustineshrineclub.com.
