Local Restaurant to Defend Chowder Champion Title

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s the mindset that two of last year’s defending champions are taking as they prepare for this year’s 32^nd Annual Polar Seltzer Great Chowder Cook-Off.

The competition will take place Saturday, June 1, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Newport Yachting Center in Newport.

The Melville Grille in Portsmouth earned “Best Seafood” bragging rights all year. The Melville Grille will be back with its Portuguese Fish Chowder recipe again this year. 

They might need all the help they can get as a number of newcomers are hoping to heat up the competition. 

“We’re bringing the same award-winning Portuguese Fish Chowder as well as the same intensity level, team spirit, crew and booth design that won us the title last year … no changes,” said chef, W. Scott Cowell III of the Melville Grille.

“We can’t wait to compete because we have the ‘fish chowder from paradise…real thick and creamy with just the right spice’!”

Open to local, regional and international chefs who work at restaurants, catering companies and institutional dining facilities, the spirited Great Chowder Cook-Off competition offers bragging rights and nearly $15,000 in prizes and awards. 

To purchase tickets to the competition, visit newportwaterfrontevents.com or order by phone by calling 800-745-3000.

Tickets can also be purchased seven days a week at the Newport Yachting Center Box Office, 4 Commercial Wharf (on America’s Cup Avenue) in downtown Newport.