New Bedford Chowderfest Sees Both Repeat Winners and First-Time Champs

NEW BEDFORD — As the breeze off the water brought in the cooler autumn air and blew out the last vestiges of summer, the crowd filled the tent on New Bedford’s City Pier 3 to take part in the 17th annual New Bedford Seaport Chowderfest.

The event, which was attended by more than 2,000 people, saw some first-time winners in both the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards.

With 19 different restaurants, kitchens and food trucks entered in competition, the real winners were all of the attendees who got to taste the best the SouthCoast has to offer for chowders and soups.

There were also cocktails (including New Bedford’s first taste of Silmo coffee syrup in over 20 years), beers, Mirasol’s famous CHiPPis, and other beverages featured, plus corn hole games and balloon animals for children.

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Let’s take a look at the winners of the 2022 Chowderfest, put on by the One SouthCoast Chamber:

People’s Choice Voting

In the People’s Choice voting, The Black Whale of New Bedford repeated as the favorite clam or seafood chowder. The Lobsta Love food truck, based out of Plymouth, placed second.

In the Portuguese/Specialty Soup category, New Bedford’s Alianca – which took the No. 2 spot in 2021 – claimed top prize this year. Mikey B’s, also of New Bedford, came in second place with its Portuguese Chowder.

For the Signature Soup category, The Black Whale took the top spot with its French Onion Soup. New Bedford’s Yozakura Japanese Kitchen placed second with its Miso Soup.

In the Table Presentation Category, The Black Whale won the prize after placing second a year ago. Scottie’s Pub of Fall River finished second.

Judges’ Choice Voting

The Clam/Seafood Chowder category had two new names atop the voting. The top prize went to New Bedford’s Airport Grille, with Fall River’s Tipsy Toboggan placing second.

In the Portuguese/Specialty Soup category, Acushnet’s Blue Point Restaurant won the trophy for its kale soup. Alianca’s kale soup took the No. 2 spot in the judges’ voting.

The Black Whale repeated in the Signature Soup category, with Mimi’s Kitchen of New Bedford coming in second with its Chicken Orzo Soup.

2022 New Bedford Seaport Chowderfest Winners

People’s Choice Awards

Table Presentation

Winner: Black Whale
Second place: Scottie’s Pub

Portuguese/Specialty Soup

Winner: Alianca
Second Place: Mikey B’s

Signature Soup

Winner: Black Whale
Second Place: Yozakura Japanese Kitchen

Clam/Seafood Chowder

Winner: Black Whale
Second Place: Lobsta Love

Judge’s Choice Awards

Portuguese/Specialty Soup

Winner: Blue Point
Second Place: Alianca

Signature Soup

Winner: Black Whale
Second Place: Mimi’s Kitchen

Clam/Seafood Chowder

Winner: Airport Grill
Second Place: Tipsy Toboggan