Great chowder, especially clam chowder, is just this side of heaven in a bowl. East Coast chowders range from milky white New England-style to tomato-based New York-style, to the briny clear broth that’s the hallmark of Rhode Island-style. And you just may get to taste them all because it’s chefs’ choice when it comes to the annual BIMI Chowda Fest on Sunday, May 26 from 3 to 5 pm at the Block Island Maritime Institute.
Pros and amateurs alike hone their recipes for months, even years, before entering this competition. And why not? The winner takes home bragging rights for years to come. It’s not uncommon to see “Winner of the Block Island Chowda Fest on various island restaurant menus.
Whether the weather calls for sun, clouds or rain, every day on Block Island is a great chowda day. Especially Chowda Fest day. Tickets are $15 for adults, $25 for families, and proceeds benefit the Block Island Maritime Institute and its assortment of fun and educational programs for families and kids. For more information about the Institute and its programs, visit http://bimaritime.org/.