Lompoc Brewing hosts 10th annual Chowder Challenge Feb. 20th

Courtesy of Lompoc Brewing Co

Blind tasting event is a fundraiser for the Community Transitional School

PORTLAND, Ore. – A dozen regional restaurants and pubs will vie for the coveted Chowder Cup at the 10th annual Chowder Challenge on Saturday, February 20 from Noon to 3 pm. The blind tasting competition will take place at Lompoc Fifth Quadrant, located at 3901 N Williams Ave.This year’s participants are the 5th Quadrant, Burnside Brewing, Cascade Brewing Barrel House, D’s Bar, Farm House Cafe, Pelican Pub & Brewery, Produce Row, Saraveza, Sports on Tap, StormBreaker Brewing, Uptown Market and Widmer Brothers Brewing.Patrons (ages 12 and up) pay $10 for a tasting tray featuring a dozen two-ounce samples of New England-style clam chowders served in non-labeled tasting cups. After tasting all entries, attendees vote for their favorite. The chowder receiving the most votes is named the People's Choice Winner and takes home the coveted Chowder Cup and a cash prize; awards are also given for second and third place.The event also features live music, a beer garden, a raffle with gift cards from the participants, and pub food for purchase. The event is family friendly and open to all ages.
All net proceeds are donated to Portland’s Community Transitional School, which provides important educational services to children who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.
The reputation of the New Old Lompoc’s clam chowder was the motivation behind the original Chowder Challenge. The New Old Lompoc restaurant on NW 23rd Ave. won the inaugural Chowder Cup; the Morrison Hotel stole it away in the following year, but it was wrested back by the New Old Lompoc at the next four events. In 2013, with the New Old Lompoc out of the competition while being rebuilt, the Ice Axe Grill swooped in and took the cup. In 2014, the New Old Lompoc – revived as the Lompoc Tavern – returned the cup to its original hands, and won again in 2015.

For more information about the event, visit www.facebook.com/LompocBeer