37th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off, February 24-25, 2018

SANTA CRUZ, CA, 2018-Jan-10 — /Travel PR News/ — The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is calling all chefs for the 37th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off. The popular fund-raiser for Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department is now a two-day event, with amateur chefs competing on Saturday, February 24 and professional chefs on Sunday, February 25, 2018.

Judges will determine the best Manhattan and Boston Clam Chowders in Amateur and Professional categories.  The public will weigh in on awards for People’s Choice and Most Tasted Clam Chowders. Prizes include airline tickets, cash, wall plaques, and bragging rights.

The event attracts competitors from all over Northern California including professional chefs eager to promote their restaurants and “teams” of families and friends who have fun perfecting a family recipe and competing in a fun atmosphere.

The deadline for chefs to register for the “rain or shine” Clam Chowder Cook-Off is January 26. Entry fee is $50, or $75 for professionals (restaurants, caterers, and food services.) For more information, entry forms, and rules please visit www.beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder/ or call Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation 831-420-5273.

All proceeds from the Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off benefit the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department.

Last year the event attracted 70 entries and thousands of chowder fans, bringing in $89,500.00 for Parks and Recreation Department programs. The popular event has raised over $1,389,500 for Santa Cruz Parks & Rec since it started in 1981. Eastside Eatery was the big winner in the Professional category, with local chef Derek Rupp winning top awards for both his Boston and Manhattan chowders. Rupp also won both categories in 2015.

Admission to the “rain or shine” event is free; Tasting Kits are $10 for 6 samples. Preparation starts at 10 am, cooking at 11 am, public tasting is from 1 pm – 3 pm on both days. Winners will be announced at 4 pm each day.

Boardwalk rides hours are 11am to 6pm on the day of the event, weather permitting. The Casino Arcade and Neptune’s Kingdom will also be open.

About the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
California’s only major seaside amusement park is admission-free and features thrill rides, restaurants, miniature golf, video game arcades, and family bowling, all located on a mile-long sandy beach.  400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060; 831-423-5590; http://www.beachboardwalk.com/clamchowder/

Contact:

Brigid Fuller
Communications Manager
publicity@beachboardwalk.com
(831) 460-3349

Source: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

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