Yes, it’s a tad unnerving that the Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting the Best In the West Chowderfest. We defy you to sit in front of a stately tank filled with rays and sea anemones and not wonder what exactly is in the chowder. Take our word for it: It’s all good stuff—prepared by skilled chefs in celebration and awareness of sustainable-seafood harvesting. The fest will pit such Long Beach culinary chemists as Michael Poompan from Sip and Jeff Thurston from Parker’s Lighthouse (among others) as they make short work of California halibut, Pacific cod and Dungeness crab in an effort to create unique chowders and grab the titles of Best In Show, Most Creative and People’s Choice. There will also be cooking demonstrations and take-home recipes of the day’s featured dishes. Best of all, the fest is about sea-life sustainability—so save some fish . . . by eating one.
Sat., March 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 2011
