Cook-off among highlights of Taste of Pine Island
Chowder lovers are in for a real treat as one of the highlights of this year’s annual Taste of Pine Island will bring back the Seafood Chowder Cook-off. From experienced chefs to those who like to dabble in the kitchen will produce their best concoction in hopes of being named the best of the best as determined by those attending the event. An entry ticket to the Taste will automatically make a visitor one of the judges. Entry to this year’s Taste of Pine Island is $5 per person and includes a full day of fun for the entire family, merchandise offered from more than 70 local vendors and live entertainment. Ample parking is available within a short walk from the event and children under the age of 10 will be admitted free when accompanied by a paid adult. As in years past, the Taste of Pine Island will be staged at the Bobby Holloway Jr. Memorial baseball field located at the island center on Sunday, Jan. 24.
Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island, the annual Chowder Cook-off competition continues to grow in popularity and is open to anyone with a pot of chowder and a ladle. Winners of the Cook-off will receive cash prizes and a plaque for the People’s Choice Award.
At this time several local restaruant have signed up to compete and include some of the island’s finest dining establishments.
Returning to the competition this year will be three-time winner, the Waterfront Restaurant in St. James City and two-time winner, the Perfect Cup from Matlacha, along with Gulf Seafood, Sandy Hook Rib and Fish House, Bert’s Bar and Grill, Jackie’s Restaurant and Capt’n Con’s in Bokeelia.
JD Hollway, owner of the Waterfront, attributes his wins to the ingredients he uses.
“I only use fresh seafood that is primarily locally caught and a lot of lobster,” said Hollway. “This is a great event and one of the last to remain on the island. I think it is a lot of fun and it is a great way to support the community. It also is a good way to get to know the island restaurants both new and old.”
There is no fee to participate in this year’s cook-off and all entrants will be provided with a tent area, an eight foot table and two chairs. To enter the Seafood Chowder Cook-off, all contestants must provide at least 10-gallons of their best chowder to the Kiwanis Club to be offered to the public for the taste contest. After people have sampled the chowders they will then vote for their favorite as the Peoples Choice. The chowder can be prepped off-site, but must be cooked on-site. There will be no electric hook-ups in the tasting area, but restuarant vendors may cook under the food tent or participants may bring their own means of cooking the chowder. If this is the case, a propane cooker or generator is suggested by contest coordinators. None of the contestants will be permitted to sell their chowder until after the contest has officially closed.
To reserve a place in the Taste of Pine Island Seafood Chowder Cook-off competition, call Patty Burman at 283-0777 or visit the Kiwanis Web site at PineIslandKiwanis.com or TasteofPineIsland.com.