For weeks there has been a buzz on web as well as all around area towns about the upcoming Chowdafest. No matter which food blog I visited, it seemed like everyone was gearing up for this one, much anticipated event. So, of course I had to check it out!
It was to be held at the Bedford Middle School in Westport. I noted that about 30 or so different types of soups and bisques were being offered for taste testing by over 20 some renowned restaurants of Fairfield County. Names like Da Pietro and Bobby Q’s of Westport to Nicholas Roberts and Ginger Man of Norwalk to Crab Shell and SBC of Stamford to The Restaurant at Rowayton….well! you get the picture, don’t you?
I believe I read somewhere that this event pulled about 1500 visitors in a short span of 5 hours. What a feat! And once I started making my rounds, and tasting each delicious creation…I knew why so many people were there. It was fabulous! What a grand way to capture each restaurant’s cooking philosophies! In one afternoon, I knew which chef likes to stay in the realm of the proven-traditional route and which one is the risk taker.
I have to admit that when I first entered the big hall…there was so much excitement in the air that I found myself wanting to experience it all - in one fell swoop. As I was eagerly and rather speedily walking from one booth to another - after the 4th or 5th taste, I started to get really confused. Alas! Too much too soon. This foodie had to slow down.
The one chowder that really made a lasting impact on me was the Oyster and Pork Belly Chowder by Nicolas Roberts. It was packed with exciting flavors and textures. They were putting kosher salt and oysters into the soup cups just before they served it. The result: you taste the fresh oyster along with that crunch from the salt in each bite. What a brilliant idea!
I also really loved the creamy, decadent goodness of the Lobster Bisque by Crab Shell. Wow! I could eat bowls of this stuff and still crave more.
The roasted cauliflower soup by Liquid Lunch was a delicious surprise in my mouth. This is one restaurant that I MUST check out in person.
Lastly, an honorable mention must be made for Bobby Q’s Cheeseburger Soup! Guess what it tasted like …. I am not kidding!!!
For more on the Chowdafest and to see this year’s winners, click on the image below.
