There are so many reasons why we love this event. With apologies to Dave Letterman, here's our "top" list in no particular order... we'd be interested to hear yours, too!
Send your "Chowder-ific" enjoyment reasons to entertainment@saratogapublishing.com and we'll print the best along with some photos of the 2010 event. Bundle up!
1- It's the beginning of the end. Unlike that erratic rodent in Pennsylvania, our Chowderfest is a signpost that denotes the official half-way point of winter. Even if we get our usual 'unusual' April snowstorm, you can almost see spring from here.
2- Nearly everyone gets into the act. This is one event where the whole town
participates, and quite a few from just out of downtown find a one-day outpost to dazzle you with their fare... the Convention and Tourism Bureau has proudly reported that there are 10 new participants this year, bringing the total to an amazing 56! See the side box for the complete participant list, but suffice to say you can't go more than one door without some chowder brewing.
3- The restaurants care. You'll hear a lot of PC statements from chefs and restaurant owners about how events like this are "good for everyone," etc. and that is certainly true. But an award in any category in this event is a source of pride for the whole roster of a restaurant for the entire year and a big feather in the cap of any chef responsible for a winning recipe. Chowderfest ballot results are more eagerly anticipated by hospitality people than Presidential election results. This leads to...
4- It's your vote that counts. Not to go all proletarian on you readers, but how often do you get a chance to make this kind of impact? We've got a ton of big-ticket fundraisers and swanky formal events on the schedule. Anyone with a buck and a ballot can make a difference here.
5- Dog-friendly! For the 3rd year in a row, canine opinion counts. In fact, they have it easier than the humans who have to traipse all over to get their chowder-fix. Everything for man/woman's best friend is centralized at the Saratoga Downtowner, where there will be a "Dog Chow Down" contest, which is judged by a VIP connoisseur of the St. Bernard variety from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. It IS a dog's life. Woof!
6- As big as it is, its part of something bigger. Chowderfest is one (admittedly huge, but just one) event that takes place as part of the 13th Annual Winterfest weekend from February 5 - 7, 2010.
Visit www.discoversaratoga.org for every option and combo, but you can't go wrong with any of these:
7- Friday, February 5 - Start with Candlelight Skiing and/or Snowshoeing at Spa State Park followed by a Wine Tasting at the Holiday Inn of Saratoga Springs from 6 to 8 p.m.
8- Saturday, February 6 - In addition to the chowder, check out a French and Indian War Reenactment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Congress Park. In the evening, you can swing out at the 12th Annual Bartenders Ball from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
9- Sunday, February 7 - Prepare for pending couch-potato status later that evening by stretching your presumably chowder-filled innards and enjoy free ice skating at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink on Weibel Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m.
10- Good Taste Counts. Oh, by the way, it's delicious! Enjoy, and congratulations to all the 2010 winners in advance.
1- It's the beginning of the end. Unlike that erratic rodent in Pennsylvania, our Chowderfest is a signpost that denotes the official half-way point of winter. Even if we get our usual 'unusual' April snowstorm, you can almost see spring from here.
2- Nearly everyone gets into the act. This is one event where the whole town
participates, and quite a few from just out of downtown find a one-day outpost to dazzle you with their fare... the Convention and Tourism Bureau has proudly reported that there are 10 new participants this year, bringing the total to an amazing 56! See the side box for the complete participant list, but suffice to say you can't go more than one door without some chowder brewing.
3- The restaurants care. You'll hear a lot of PC statements from chefs and restaurant owners about how events like this are "good for everyone," etc. and that is certainly true. But an award in any category in this event is a source of pride for the whole roster of a restaurant for the entire year and a big feather in the cap of any chef responsible for a winning recipe. Chowderfest ballot results are more eagerly anticipated by hospitality people than Presidential election results. This leads to...
4- It's your vote that counts. Not to go all proletarian on you readers, but how often do you get a chance to make this kind of impact? We've got a ton of big-ticket fundraisers and swanky formal events on the schedule. Anyone with a buck and a ballot can make a difference here.
5- Dog-friendly! For the 3rd year in a row, canine opinion counts. In fact, they have it easier than the humans who have to traipse all over to get their chowder-fix. Everything for man/woman's best friend is centralized at the Saratoga Downtowner, where there will be a "Dog Chow Down" contest, which is judged by a VIP connoisseur of the St. Bernard variety from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. It IS a dog's life. Woof!
6- As big as it is, its part of something bigger. Chowderfest is one (admittedly huge, but just one) event that takes place as part of the 13th Annual Winterfest weekend from February 5 - 7, 2010.
Visit www.discoversaratoga.org for every option and combo, but you can't go wrong with any of these:
7- Friday, February 5 - Start with Candlelight Skiing and/or Snowshoeing at Spa State Park followed by a Wine Tasting at the Holiday Inn of Saratoga Springs from 6 to 8 p.m.
8- Saturday, February 6 - In addition to the chowder, check out a French and Indian War Reenactment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Congress Park. In the evening, you can swing out at the 12th Annual Bartenders Ball from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
9- Sunday, February 7 - Prepare for pending couch-potato status later that evening by stretching your presumably chowder-filled innards and enjoy free ice skating at the Saratoga Springs Ice Rink on Weibel Avenue from 1 to 3 p.m.
10- Good Taste Counts. Oh, by the way, it's delicious! Enjoy, and congratulations to all the 2010 winners in advance.
Main Menu
Chowderfest was a blast! Lots of folks. I even saw people with their own spoon necklaces. The Photocard team of Photographers took over 400 pictures of 1300 people. You can enjoy the photos at www.photocardday.com