States Beyond New England Lay Claim as Top Chowder Contenders
In the heart of Mount Dora, Florida, a culinary gem named Tony's Chowder House has made a splash in the world of seafood, particularly clam chowder. The restaurant, known for its impressive culinary scene, has been a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike since its inception.
Tony's Chowder House's claim to fame came in 2009 and 2010 when it won the prestigious Knorr Great Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, Rhode Island. This annual event, held in the coastal city known for its love of clam chowder, is a highly anticipated culinary competition that attracts top chefs from across New England.
However, the specifics of the competition's past winners and their restaurant locations, including Tony's Chowder House, are not readily available in search results. For accurate details, it would be best to contact the event organisers or check historical records from the event's official website or local news archives.
The victory of Tony's Chowder House was particularly noteworthy as it beat New England at its own recipe. This triumph showcased the versatility and appeal of the Florida-style chowder, which differs significantly from the traditional New England version.
Clam chowder, with its rich history and variety, has distinct recipes such as Manhattan, Rhode Island-style, and Minorcan clam chowder. The Minorcan clam chowder, a spicy, fragrant blend brought over from the Spanish island of Minorca in the late 18th century, adds another layer of cultural diversity to the dish.
Meanwhile, the seafood scene in Florida and New England differs in character. While New England is known for its love of clam chowder, with many tourists visiting the northeastern states to sample the seafood, fishermen in the Gulf of Florida chase red snapper and tarpon more than haddock and Atlantic cod found in northern waters.
A taste-test in a major seaport cannot definitively decide which clam chowder recipe is the "best," as preferences and regional biases vary among seafood lovers. However, the popularity of clam chowder in New England, associated with coastal cities such as Gloucester and Boston, is undeniable.
In Mount Dora, the Union Oyster House, considered the country's oldest restaurant, may have been the scene of clam chowder's American debut in the 1830s. Today, clam chowder can be ordered as an appetiser or a main course, and can be enjoyed with oyster crackers or slices of baguette.
For those who can't get enough of Tony's Chowder House's signature dish, the restaurant ships canned versions of it to customers. Mount Dora, known for being one of Florida's most walkable destinations and hosting dozens of major yearly events, truly earns its nickname as "festival city."
Whether you prefer your clam chowder spicy, fragrant, or traditional, there's no denying the allure of this hearty seafood dish. And for clam chowder lovers on the go, even eating it from a paper cup while driving a car, no spoon required, is a testament to the dish's enduring appeal.
Travel guides often highlight Tony's Chowder House in Mount Dora, Florida, as a must-visit destination for seafood enthusiasts, particularly those interested in trying unique takes on classic dishes like clam chowder. The restaurant's impressive culinary scene, which includes its award-winning clam chowder, offers an exciting addition to the local food-and-drink scene within the travel industry.
