[Event] Toronto's Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown 2017

Event: Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown
Location: The Fermenting Cellar
Date: November 14, 2017
Website: https://www.vanaqua.org/experience/events/annual-and-upcoming-events/ocean-wise-seafood-chowder-chowdown/toronto

On November 14th, 2017, the annual Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown was held in the Distillery District. 14 Toronto chefs brought out their best chowders for judging. Chefs Joey Gray and Chris Torgis from Bruce Wine Bar were selected as 2017 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown Champions. Which was exciting because I voted for them out of the 14 chowders I've tried. The actual winner of the People's Choice Award instead went to Charlotte Langley from Scout Canning. 

If you love chowder, then this is the event for you! You get an unlimited number of chowders and alcoholic beverages from companies including Walter's, Georgian Bay Spirit Co., and more. You will be full before you hit your 14th chowder because I sure did. I actually ended up discovering Georgian Bay's Vodka Smash and Gin Smash at this event. I quite enjoyed both drinks! If you don't like the strong alcoholic taste in your drinks but prefer fruity cocktails or mixed drinks, then I highly recommend checking out Georgian Bay Spirit Co. It's a refreshing drink that you can have during the summer or after a long day of work.

Definitely come out and check the event next year if you haven't been to one already! I forgot how great it was when I first went two years ago but this year totally killed it!

[Upcoming Event] Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown 2017

Join us at The Fermenting Cellar to try an array of original chowders and local beers on November 14th, 2017! You can cast your vote for the winner of the 2017 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown Champion: Toronto at the event and fill your tummy with hot chowder. All ticket proceeds will go to Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program. 

Tickets are $60 plus HST and can be purchased by clicking here. If you'd like to learn more about the event or check it out in other cities, please visit the website by clicking here.

Photo by: Shane Oosterhoff

[Event] Toronto's Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown 2015

Event: Toronto's Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown
Date: November 3, 2015
Location: Fermenting Cellar, Distillery District
Website: www.vanaqua.org/experience/events/annual-and-upcoming-events/ocean-wise-seafood-chowder-chowdown/toronto

I got to attend Toronto's Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown for the first time at the beginning of November. The event was in support of Ocean Wise, a Vancouver Aquarium conservation program that educates consumers about sustainable seafood. Attendees got to try unlimited craft beers and delicious chowder! Top chefs from 14 restaurants competed to be crowned the winner of 2015 Ocean Wise Chowder Chowdown: Toronto, voted by the attendees.

I definitely enjoyed my experience and loved trying the chowders because I don't get to eat them very often. I recommend checking out Great Lakes Pompous Ass Pale Ale if you are looking for a new craft beer to try (not only because it has an awesome name!). I ended up voting for Chef Joshua Dyer's (from EPIC at Fairmont Royal York) Ontario Corn and Crab Chowder. However, the winner for 2015 was Chef Patrick McMurray (from The Ceili Cottage) with The Ceili Cottage Chowder. 

I recommend checking out Chowder Chowdown for next year, especially if you believe in seafood sustainability!