Photo Credit: Andres Markwart
Delicious sustainable seafood chowders are coming to restaurants, retailers, and venues in Vancouver this February as the Chowder Chowdown fundraiser transforms into a national festival, running from February 1-28. Proceeds will support the Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
Since 2005, the Ocean Wise symbol next to a seafood item at a restaurant or grocery store has been assurance for Canadians that it is an ocean-friendly choice. And now, all you have to do to support this important conservation program is to slurp delicious chowders this February! And you’ll also be supporting local restaurants while you do it. Chowders will be available for dine-in, delivery or take out across Canada!
“For more than 15 years, the Ocean Wise Seafood program has inspired a nation of chefs and diners to be champions for our oceans,” said Chef Poyan Danesh, culinary director at Ocean Mama Seafood and competition chair and treasurer of the Chefs’ Table Society of BC. “The science behind sustainable fisheries is complex but thankfully chefs and consumers can rely on Ocean Wise to help us make positive choices. National Chowder Chowdown Festival is an opportunity for Canadians to support this critical program all while enjoying delicious seafood.”
Here’s a selection of what you can expect from Vancouver restaurants taking part.
1931 Gallery Bistro – “Bistro Chowder”
Chef Gleb Podshibyakin of 1931 Gallery Bistro, situated inside Vancouver Art Gallery, has created a sustainable seafood chowder recipe that utilizes only Ocean Wise certified seafood ingredients, such as steelhead salmon and black ling cod. Bistro Chowder is cream-based and boasts classic flavour and aroma derived from white wine, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, vegetable mirepoix and tender Kennebec potatoes.
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar – “Manila Clam and Sweet Corn Chowder”
Fanny Bay’s classic house manila clam chowder is made with sweet corn, bacon, smoked paprika, and of course our fresh Ocean Wise manila clams. Available on their menu for $15, and frozen by the litre in their retail market for $22.
Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Showcase Restaurant at Marriott Vancouver Downtown – “Yellow Thai Curry Prawn Chowder, Crispy Shallots, Chili Oil and Cilantro”
A base of coconut and a kick of lemongrass, accompanied by Yukon gold potatoes, chilli oil, lime cream, and grilled house-made bread.
Shuck Shuck – “Give Two Shucks Chowder”
A nod to the traditional Clam Chowder with the star being Nanoose Bay Oysters from Evening Cove. This chowder gets its flavour from Fish Stock, Cream, Guanciale, Rosemary and Potato, and is served alongside Oyster crackers.
Shuck Shuck
Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub – “You’ve Been Schooled”
Chef Nathan Taylor at Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub is preparing the Ocean Wise honey mussel and steel-head salmon chowder with saffron potato foam and crispy oyster cracker.
Stanley Park Brewing
Also taking part in the lower mainland:
Burnaby: Hart House Restaurant
Maple Ridge: Big Feast Bistro
Port Moody: Pajo’s Fish and Chips
Richmond: Little Mexico Cantina, Pajo’s Fish and Chips
Vancouver: Edge Catering, Holts Café Vancouver, Intercity Packers, Organic Ocean, The Vancouver Fish Co.
For a full list of Chowder Chowdown Festival participants, head to Seafood.Ocean.org/Chowder-Festival/
