Sixth Annual Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival Chowder Challenge Calling All Chefs! Gualala Arts Center Saturday, April 5, 2008 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Calling all chefs! for the 6th Annual Chowder Challenge & Tastings

The Redwood Coast Whale & Jazz Festival's 6th Annual Chowder Challenge is seeking chefs representing area restaurants along with talented amateurs to vie for the title of Best Mendonoma Coast Chowder.

The Chowder Challenge takes place in Gualala Arts Center's Coleman Hall, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2008. More than 300 hungry, jazz & chowder-loving locals and visitors attended last year, and more are anticipated this year. For those who have participated in the past... we would love to have you back... and those who have not... please join the fun!

Entry fee is $15 per chowder, with entrants able to submit one or two entries. Applications are available from Gualala Arts Center or entrants may call 707-884-1138 and receive a form via email, fax or snail mail, or download the 2008 Chowder Challenge application form. Space is limited, so entries will be accepted on a "first come" basis! Entries will be returned after the space is full.

• Both Chowder Classes are back: New Traditional England-style Clam Chowder and Open Class: anything goes, including vegetarian chowders as well as a variety of seafood.
• Judging panel AND "People's Choice" voting back by popular demand!
• Judging will be separate for professional & amateur chefs.
• People's Choice voting does not distinguish between Pro/Am chowders.
• All entrants receive a Festival Logo Glass and complimentary tasting tickets.
• Place winners are dependent upon number of entries
• Engraved plaques awarded in both classes
• Most Tasted Award receives a $25 cash prize.

Chowder Judges will be a panel of three this year:

• Howard Curtis - local gourmand, former owner of The Gualala Hotel and judge of Chowder Challenge 2005
• Naomi Schwartz - Surf Super's "Foodie," former owner The Food Co. and judge of Chowder Challenge 2006
• Bernard Roberts - "Guest Chef" at RCRC fund-raising dinner for the last two years and manager of Anchor Bay Campground.

List of winners from prior years

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.