Chefs to compete Saturday

Seven restaurants to vie for title of best clam chowder

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Chefs from seven local restaurants will be whipping up their Northwest specialties at the Clam Chowder Cookoff on Saturday at the Gig Harbor Farmers’ Market.

The restaurants competing are Tides Tavern, Canterwood Restaurant from the Canterwood Golf & Country Club, Kelly’s Café and Espresso, Ivar’s from Tacoma, Narrows Landing, Tacoma Narrows Airport, Brix 25 and the Heritage Restaurant from the Inn at Gig Harbor.

Each will be hoping their creation will topple the crown of the Narrows Landing, which has claimed first place for the People’s Choice three years in a row.

“We have great chowder,” said Meleanie Guerrero, membership service director from Canterwood Golf & Country Club. “We participated in the cookoff last year also. We’re a private country club, but we still want to be a part of the community.”

Canterwood’s chef, Adam Hagen, has been with the restaurant for five years, but this will be his first year in the chowder cookoff.

Teresa Baker, owner of Kelly’s Café and Espresso, said head chef Joe Bruner will serve the clam chowder that is on the menu at the restaurant. “Last year was our first year, so we didn’t know what to expect,” Baker said. “We use an Ivar’s clam chowder base and we add things to it, like fresh herbs.”

James Mather, chef for the Narrows Landing, is confident that his chowder will do well this year.

“I’ll just go down there and put out the best chowder,” he said.

“I know I’ll win again.”

Farmers’ Market Chowder Cookoff

Time: From 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., with an awards ceremony scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter is the master of ceremonies.

Date: Saturday.

Place: Kimball Drive Park & Ride.