Whistler Blackcomb's chowder station at the 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

My friends and I just got back from the sold-out 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown at the Vancouver Aquarium. We’re absolutely swollen with chowder and beer, and we loved every minute.

I posted about the Chowder Chowdown last week: It’s a fabulous foodie event during which ten of Vancouver’s best chefs compete to make the most amazing seafood chowder imaginable. It also pairs beers from local brewerys with each chowder—so it’s a beer tasting, too—all while raising awareness about sustainable seafood.

And if that isn’t cool enough, it takes place at the Vancouver Aquarium at night, which is an evening venue like no other. I’d actually never been to a nighttime event at the Aquarium; it has a completely different feel from a typical visit. The fish and sea life take on an otherworldly quality at night, their beauty amplified into living art. It’s a fantastic backdrop.

Chowder-tasters enjoy a seat at by the Vancouver Aquarium's shark tank

Granville Island Brewery dispenses beer at the best spot: In front of the other-worldly jelly fish.

And the food! Personally, my favourite chowder was C Restaurant‘s, which had a halibut base and a bit of sweetness. I also enjoyed the Refinery’s spicy entry (so thick with corn it was like a succotash/chowder hybrid), which came in second place at Judges’ Panel.

C Restaurant's halibut-based chowder at the 2009 Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown

The People’s Choice winner for the night was the entry from O’Doul’s Restaurant . The night’s big winners—the 2009 BC Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Champions—were the chefs from Go Fish, Chef Matt and Chef Andrew Christie. They accepted their award to huge applause and cheering, and their own exuberance and delight at winning made the evening.

Winners Chef Matt and Chef Andrew Christie of Go Fish, the BC Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Champions 2009

This is just the second year for the Ocean Wise Seafood Chowder Chowdown, but given tonight’s incredible success, it seems sure to return next year. Yum!