Rockledge Country Club Sweeps Chowder Awards
By Space Coast Daily // February 7, 2015
Presented by the Cocoa Beach Chamber CVB
30th Annual Chowder Cook-Off With A Twist
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ABOVE PHOTO GALLERY BY CHARLES PARKER
BREVARD COUNTY • PORT CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – The people have spoken and fun was had by all on Friday night at Port Canaveral’s Cruise Terminal 6 during the 30th Annual Chowder Cook-Off with a Twist.
The results are in from both the judges and attendees of who has the “Best Chowder” and “Best Twist” on the Space Coast.
The event was presented by the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, which focuses on supporting and promoting the Cocoa Beach area’s tourism industry.
This year’s milestone event was chaired by Rich Hensel of Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Seven judges, including local Greg Pallone from News 13, Howie Dorough from the Backstreet Boys, Port Commissioner Wayne Justice, Mike and Mindy from Lite Rock 99.3, “Wingnut” from 95.1, and professional chef Luis Reyes from Sysco, deliberated for nearly two hours while they personally taste tested each item.
More than 1,000 guests also took judging into their own hands by voting for their favorite chowder and favorite “Twist” item, which is a specialty dish such as a dessert or appetizer.
2015 CHOWDER COOK-OFF CATEGORY WINNERS
People’s Choice Twist
• 1st – Grills (Ahi Poke – Tuna)
• 2nd – Florida Key Lime Pie Company (Key Lime Pie)
• 3rd – Wild Ocean Seafood Market (Tuna Sandwich)
People’s Choice Chowder
• 1st – The Rockledge Country Club (Crawfish Chowder)
• 2nd – Baja Tavern and Eats (New England Clam Chowder)
• 3rd – Grills (New England Clam Chowder)
Judge’s Choice Twist
• 1st – KSC Visitor Complex (Sweet Almond Cornmeal Shortcake)
• 2nd – Baja Tavern and Eats (Lobster Cream)
• 3rd – Hilton Cocoa Beach – SALT (Braised Pork Belly)
Judges Choice Chowder
• 1st – The Rockledge Country Club (Crawfish Chowder)
• 2nd – Baja Tavern and Eats (New England Clam Chowder)
• 3rd – International Palms – Mambos (New England Clam Chowder)
“Congratulations to all the winners, and to the Rockledge Country Club, who in its first year competing swept both categories with their chowder,” said Jennifer Sugarman, Director of the Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The evening’s participating sponsors were 98.5 the Beach, Airboat Rides at Midway, The Avenue Viera, Brevard Zoo, Brightway Insurance, Canaveral Port Authority, City of Cocoa, City of Cocoa Beach, Comfort Inn & Suites in Cocoa Beach, Discovery Beach Resort, Doubletree by Hilton, Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Merritt Square Mall, Rockledge Country Club, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Rusty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Space Coast Fun Guide and Wild Ocean Seafood.
