BALDWINSVILLE — You’ve heard of “The Great British Bake Off,” now get ready for the B’ville Chowder Cook Off. Fifteen Baldwinsville restaurants will offer samples of their creamy soups and raise money for local causes the afternoon of Saturday, April 10.
The brainchild of Angry Garlic owner Jeff Rogers, the B’ville Chowder Cook Off is a warm way to ease out of winter and into spring.
“We’re hoping for a nice, semi-warm spring day,” said Rogers, who was named the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year in 2020.
Rogers came up with the idea after Baldwinsville Dining Weeks, which took place in February and March.
“It’s a new idea to keep the momentum going in B’ville in the food and drink scene there,” he said. “I was trying to think of ways to celebrate B’ville dining without crowding places.”
Rogers is hoping the B’ville Chowder Cook Off will become an annual event. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce and a local charitable organization that has yet to be determined.
“The Baldwinsville chamber does an absurd amount of things for the community helping small businesses,” Rogers said.
Fifteen Baldwinsville restaurants will set up sampling stations outside their establishments so people can social distance. Patrons start at the GBCC table at Angry Garlic by purchasing a $5 chowder card. After chowing down on all the chowder, people can rank their top three. Larger portions of each restaurant’s chowder will be available for purchase inside each establishment.
“It’s easy scoop-and-serve for the restaurants,” Rogers said. “It’s a nice way to encourage families with kids to come down.”
Rogers is encouraging other Baldwinsville businesses to open Saturday afternoon to take advantage of the foot traffic.
“It’s another way to support local and support small,” he said.
The B’ville Chowder Cook Off takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 10. Purchase your chowder card for $5 at the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce table at Angry Garlic, located at 29 Oswego St. in Baldwinsville. Don’t forget to choose your top three bowls and leave your card at the last eatery you visit so your votes will be counted. For more information, contact Angry Garlic at 315-303-0453.
