6th Annual Chowder Challenger @ Lompoc 5th Quadrant

Local brewpubs & restaurants compete to see who serves the city’s best clam chowder while raising money for the Community Transitional School

Lompoc Brewing has announced the date for its sixth annual Chowder Challenge, an event that determines which Portland restaurant serves up the best clam chowder. A dozen local brewpubs and restaurants will vie for the coveted Chowder Cup at the annual Chowder Challenge on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from Noon to 4 pm.

The blind tasting competition will take place at Lompoc’s Fifth Quadrant, located at 3901 N Williams Ave. Admission into the event is free. Attendees ages 12 and over must purchase sample trays for $10 to participate in the tasting. All of the money raised will be donated to Portland’s Community Transitional School, which provides important educational services to children who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.

A dozen samples of traditional New England-style clam chowders from the participants are served in non-labeled, two-ounce cups. After tasting all entries, attendees vote for their favorite. The chowder receiving the most votes will be named the People’s Choice Winner and will take home the coveted Chowder Cup; awards will also be given for second and third place.

Confirmed restaurants include Cascade Brewing Barrel House, Columbia River Brewing, D’s Bar, Deschutes Brewery, EAT, El Gaucho, Fifth Quadrant, New Old Lompoc, Rogue, Salty’s and Trebol. The New Old Lompoc, known throughout the city for its chowder, has taken home the Chowder Cup five of the past six years.

The festivities also feature a beer garden, live music, a soda garden for kids, Joe the Balloon Guy, a raffle with prizes from the participants, special beers, and pub food for purchase. Minors are welcome at the family friendly event.

Among the specials beers will be two offerings from LOLA, or Ladies of Lagers and Ales, a social drinking group for ladies who love craft beer in the Portland area. LOLA brewed a collaboration beer with Lompoc Brewing in December. Look for two versions of a Wee Heavy: Wee LOLA, and a version blended with a number of aged Lompoc beers for a woody, dry, slightly sweet and bitter ale, dubbed the Lolampoc Clan.

The Saturday festivities kick off with a shrimp boil on Friday night, Feb. 24, also at the Fifth Quadrant. Beginning at 6 pm, seafood lovers are invited to roll up their sleeves and dig in; admission is $14 a plate which includes shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob and Louisiana spicy sausage. There will be spicy garlic butter available for dipping and Old Bay on the tables, plus special beers on tap. There are no pre-sales, so early arrival is recommended.

For more information, visit www.lompocbrewing.com.