Despite the threat of rain and competing events such as the Azalea Festival parade, chowder lovers came out in droves to the 19th annual Chowder Cook Off at Carolina Beach Lake this past Saturday.

Seven Carolina Beach eateries entered their chowders for judging by the public as well as a panel of judges. Panel members ranked their favorites in a blind tasting. This year’s contestants were: Havana’s Fresh Island Restaurant, Gibby’s Dock & Dine, Sea Witch Café & Tiki Bar, Saint’s Cove Beach Bar & Grill, Shelby Jeans on the Boardwalk, The Shack at Dockside and Two Kousins Sports Bar.

The judges selected Gibby’s Dock and Dine as the first-place winner and Havana’s Fresh Island Restaurant of Carolina Beach as the rirst runner up. The coveted People’s Choice first-place winner went to Havana’s-Carolina Beach for the fifth year in a row, while the first runner up award went to a newcomer, Shelby Jeans on the Boardwalk.

Two additional prizes were awarded with the Most Enthusiastic Tent going to Saint’s Cove Beach Bar and Grill, and the Best Decorated Tent going to Havana’s.

The event is sponsored by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.

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