Business - Thirty-six area restaurants participating in 10th annual Chowderfest

That’s what the 36 restaurants participating in the 10th annual Chowderfest will be doing the day before the event, scheduled for Saturday, February 2. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

David Zunker, president of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, said Chowderfest turns 10 this year, an anniversary worth celebrating.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Zunker said.

This will be Zunker’s first Chowderfest since becoming president of the bureau in August 2007.

“Chowder ain’t grits, I’ve been told. Having spent 20 years south of the Mason-Dixon line, I can tell you that grits pretty much come one way: granular and boring,” Zunker said. “Chowder, on the other hand, is much more avant garde: it comes in colors other than beige, in flavors other than bland and can even be firey red.”

He said he was surprised how many varieties of chowder there is. Last year more than 30,000 servings of chowder were sold at $1 a piece.

While the event is concentrated in downtown Saratoga Springs, other participating restaurants are 25 miles away.

Zunker said they added a few new categories for the winners bringing the total to seven: Best On Broadway, Best Off Broadway, Best Newcomer, Best Non-Downtown, People’s Choice, Most Chowder Served and Best Dog Chowder.

Sloppy Kisses served doggy chowder last year and this year Impression’s of Saratoga will be serving chowder for pooches.

“It’s going to be fun,” Zunker said.

He said while it is a fun event for families and restaurants, it is competitive among restaurants.

“I’ll be exploring and tasting throughout the day,” Zunker said.

This year, people can turn in their ballots in two places – the Visitor’s Center and Heritage Area and the Saratoga Arts Council. Zunker said having a location on both sides of Broadway will make it easier for the volunteers and people.

Zunker said to get this year’s Chowderfest shirt, people have to No. 1, fill out the ballot with at least five stickers from five different restaurants as your favorites. The ballot and $5 will get you the long-sleeved shirt.

Hud Armstrong designed the logo again. Zunker said he outdid himself. He said it’s Horses Saratoga Style theme and also incorporates the squirrel and duck.