Groton, Mystic Chefs Win National 'Chowda' Bragging Rights!

Chefs from across the country came to throw down at the nation’s oldest running chowder competition this weekend in Newport, the 32nd annual Polar Seltzer Great Chowder Cookoff. Chefs, who served up samples to thousands of chowder-loving festival goers who acted as judges, competed for the coveted titles of ‘Best Traditional,’ ‘Best Seafood,’ and ‘Best Creative.’ 

And Groton and Mystic chefs were crowned chowder chiefs! 

Octagon of Groton and Stone Ridge of Mystic chefs can now claim best chowder bragging rights after winning the hearts and palettes of festival-goers. 

Octagon took home the First Place award for most creative chowder and Stone Ridge’s chef Matt Whitbeck earned the third place award for best seafood chowder. 

Prize money was awarded to the top three winners in each category including $2,000 each for the first-place winners. The competition was open to local, regional and international chefs who work at restaurants, catering companies and institutional dining facilities.   

Best Traditional Clam Chowder:      
1. Stefano's Seafood of Long Beach Island, New Jersey      
2. Pike Place Chowder of Seattle, WA      
3. Luke's Lobster of Greene, Maine and New York City 
Best Creative Chowder:      
1. Octagon Restaurant of Groton, CT 
2. Boat House of Tiverton, RI      
3. The Mooring of Newport, RI 
Best Seafood Chowder:      
1. The Mellville Grille of Portsmouth, RI      
2. Rhody Joe's of Wakefield, RI      
3. Stone Ridge of Mystic, CT