CHOWDER FESTIVAL
Thousands attend 12th annual Troy Chowderfest
TROY, N.Y. >> The 12th annual Troy Chowderfest brought thousands to the Collar City on Sunday, showcasing 22 different soups.
An estimated 25,000 event-goers had the opportunity to taste classics like NewEngland and Manhattan Clam Chowders along with some unexpected flavors like Ancho Chile Corn Chowder, Vegan Chicken Autumn Harvest Chowder, and Moroccan Harira Chowder.
The chefs competing in the 2018 Troy Chowderfest were fighting for the titles of Most Original, Best Seafood, Best Vegetarian, Best Booth, People’s Choice and Judges Choice.
“Chowderfest is a really great opportunity for the downtown business owners, not only those that are participating,” said Katie Hammon, executive director of the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District, which puts on the major event each year. “It’s a good way to get people throughout the entire district to see what exists in Troy.”
Business owners agree Troy Chowderfest is a great experience. “Chowderfest is about creating a community and drawing people to Downtown Troy,” said Heidi Knoblauch, owner of Plumb Oyster Bar on Second Street. “The mission of Plumb Oyster Bar is to develop [the] community to give back to our community. If we can do that by making kick-ass chowder,
that works for me!”
Knoblauch’s restaurant served both Oyster Chowder and Cajun Crawfish Chowder during Sunday’s event.
Over at Ryan’s Wake attendees were enjoying samples of Ancho Chile Corn Chowder with crispy tortilla chips and carnitas, created by chef Jay McCarthy.
Owner Christopher Ryan, who started Ryan’s Wake Public House about 13 years ago, loves seeing the streets of Troy filled with people for events like Chowderfest.
“The biggest kick I get out of it is the people of the surrounding areas, the suburbs, coming into the city and raving about how cool Troy is, how much they enjoy Troy,” he said as a line of people made their way through the bar for their samples. “That’s a big change from many years ago. They find it a charming experience. It’s just great. We like to meet more people and expose our business to new people.”
The restaurant owner continued, “It’s just another great day in Troy. They’re getting less and less few and far between. We’re having a lot of great days in Troy. That’s a good thing.”
Festival- goers like Dan and Sara Bosworth of Coeymans can feel the sense of growing community when they visit downtown Troy for these special events year after year. While eating a chowder sample from Plumb Oyster Bar, Dan said he attends first and foremost because he likes the food - but secondly, “I think it’s a nice event for the community.”