Discover Saratoga announced the winners of Saratoga Chowderfest, held Saturday, Feb. 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event-goers sampled a variety of chowder from participating vendors and voted for their favorite. Winners were chosen in eight different categories, which were announced at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center during the Annual Award Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
The 2023 Chowderfest winners are:
- People’s Choice 500 bowls or less: Artisanal Brew Works, Roasted Chicken, Corn & Potato Chowder
- People’s Choice 501-750 bowls: The Mill on Round Lake, Balboa Chowder
- People’s Choice 751-1,000 bowls: Thirsty Owl Bistro, Crab and Corn Chowder with Candied Bacon
- People’s Choice 1,001-1,500 bowls: Rhea, Seafood Ramen
- People’s Choice 1,501- 2,000 bowls: Salt & Char, Country Ham Chowder
- People’s Choice 2,001-3,000 bowls: Henry Street Taproom, Roasted Brussels Sprout and Bacon Chowder With Fried Chicken Bites and Hot Honey
- People’s Choice 3,001-4,000 bowls: West Ave Pizza, Ravioli Chowder
- People’s Choice 4,001+ bowls: Druthers Brewing Company, Shrimp, Crab and Corn Chowder with a Lobster Hush Puppy
2023 Chowderfest Highlights:
- 82 vendors including 13 first-time Chowderfest participants
- 111,639 bowls of chowder served
- 35,000-40,000 people attended the event
This year's Chowderfest brought the day back to the traditional method of presentation: one day for everyone. During the heart of the pandemic in 2021, the festival ran as a week-long, carryout event only. People bought pints and quarts at restaurants during the week before what would have been the traditional festival Saturday. Last year, a combined Chowderfest included what officials called the week-long "Chowder Tour" and the one-day festival.
This year's festival did not include Chowder Tour.
Sun and warm temperatures played well into the day, and the event drew 12 more restaurants who served 27,708 more bowls than last year, to at least 5,000 more visitors. The numbers do not include sales during last year's Chowder Tour.
“What a great year for Chowderfest,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. Discover Saratoga would like to thank everyone who participated, sponsored, volunteered, and celebrated Chowderfest. Your support is truly appreciated. And special thank you to our city officials, police, fire, EMS, and DPW departments for your contribution to this event. It wouldn’t have been a success without you!”
[Read about last year's festival here and here.]
The 24th Annual Chowderfest is made possible by our sponsors: Saranac, White Claw, Performance Industrial, DePaula Auto Group, D.A. Collins, Westminster Bakers Co., Saratoga Springs City Center, Saratoga's Star Radio, Black Dog Designs, Townsquare Media, Renewal by Anderson, Lia Nissan, Humana, Saratoga Springs FiberCity, Death Wish Coffee Company, Bath Fitter, Saratoga.com, Albany Broadcasting, iHeartMedia, The Saratogian, Saratoga Today, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Upstate Transit, T-Shirt Graphics, Adirondack Trust Company, Stewart’s Shops, Julie & Co., The Daily Gazette, The Post Star, Saratoga Automobile Museum, Tailgate and Party Shop, Mind Body Soul Expo, Mostly Modern Festival, and United Rentals.