Chowdah Fest Chicago is back at Columbia Yacht Club March 5

Columbia Yacht Club

Come and get it! Chowdah Fest has returned! The second annual Chowdah Fest: Chicago is set to take place 6:30-9 p.m. March 5 at the Columbia Yacht Club (111 North Lake Shore Drive) and is shaping up to be the better than ever before. Twelve chefs have signed on to participate in this year’s event with the hopes of received the coveted title of “Best Chowdah in Town”. Its audience choice for the win, and with recipes from acclaimed Chicago restaurants and chefs Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster, Mark Stauer of the Bedford, Susan Goss of West Town Tavern, Nicole Pederson of C-House, Jeffrey Hedin of Leopold, Julius Russell of Tale of Two Chefs , Chris Turano of Estate Ultra Bar, Dan Marquis of Quay, Guy Meikle of Nana Organic, Jonathan Lane of Benny's Chop House, The New England Seafood Company, and Brandon Baltzley; you’ll vote on your favorite. It’s sure to be a difficult decision.

Setting the perfect stage for Chowdah Fest is the 1940’s era Icebreaker on the harbor of the Columbia Yacht Club. Goose Island will be providing beer selections including vintage ales to pair with the savory seafood recipes, and wine will also be available. Ticket prices are $35 - $50 (depending on when you order) to attend and proceeds will go to the Sea Scouts youth sailing program. Tickets can be purchased here. Space is limited so snag your tickets today to take part and cast your vote!

Chicago has its own Chowdah Fest & its tonight!

Inspired by Boston’s annual event, Chowdah Fest Chicago debuts tonight (Monday, January 31) from 6:30 ~ 9:00pm on the beautiful 1910 ship of the Columbia Yacht Club, located at Randolph and Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago chefs are either re-creating the classic chowders that we know & love, or will be totally re-inventing them! Some chefs will bring other seafood soups & bisques, as well.

Some of the featured chefs are: Giuseppe Tentori of BOKA and GT Fish & Oyster; Daniel Marquis, Executive Chef of Fox & Obel Market; Radhika Desai of Top Chef; Baasim Zafar, Executive Chef of the Drake Hotel; Sean Sanders of Brown Trout; Dirk Fucik of Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, yummie smoked fish from Calumet Fisheries on 95^th, Benny’s Chop House,     Guy Meikle of Nana Organic, Shaw’s Crab House, and Private Chef Julius Russell.

An audience Choice Award will be given-out to the favorite, for the title of “Best Chowdah in Town!” (One of the judges is the 312 Dining Diva herself, Audarshia Townsend).

Proceeds go to the Sea Scouts youth sailing program.

Tickets are now just $35 each ~ which also includes Goose Island beer, Great Lakes Brewing Company, good wine and a dessert room!

Available only through Eventbrite  ~ http://chowdahfest.eventbrite.com/

The ship is limited to 225 people, and so there will not be any tickets available at the door. However, this will make for a very cozy & decadent winter-warmer.

Chowdah Fest Chicago is the 2^nd major event created by Imagine Festivals, who also brought you the Chicago Ice Cream Festival.