If you recall, at the start of 2026, Splash made a list of Boardwalk-inspired New Year’s resolutions to tackle throughout the year. With the 45th annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off happening in February Splash knew this would be a tasty way to kick things off. This cooking competition is the longest running clam chowder cook-off in the nation! Check out our past blog post, The Clam & I, to learn more about its inception.
This past weekend, decked out in the official Clam Chowder t-shirt, Splash attended the beloved event to accomplish his goal of becoming a true Chowder Connoisseur. Despite the rainy weather earlier in the week, the weekend turned out cool and sunny—perfect conditions for Splash to swoop in—literally—to join the fun, meet the chefs, and taste-test some of Santa Cruz’s most creative and comforting chowders. Spoiler: it was delicious!
On Saturday, as teams were cooking away, Splash wandered among more than 50 cook-off booths of amateur chefs, greeting fans, posing for pictures, and trying very hard not to accidentally dip a wing into any boiling pots.
He started strong at Clam I Am, where the team served up a creamy Boston–style classic. Splash gave it a thoughtful tilt of the beak and a satisfied wing-flap—his version of two thumbs up. The team’s theming had a strong showing, landing them 3rd place in the Best Theming category!
Next, he waddled over to The Krusty Klam, where he posed for a photo with a few of his fellow marine dwellers who were hard at work preparing their chowder.
And then came Mad About Chowder. With all the flames Splash was a little worried this chowder might make his beak tingle, but he was delighted. The judges were too, awarding the team 2nd place in the Best Boston category.
Even though the booth looked a little scary Splash ventured in for a photo with Silence of the Clams who took home 1st for Most Tasted and 2nd for Best Theming. He even got to flex his feathers with the team who won 1st for Best Theming, Rosie the Riveter.
With over 81 contestants across the two days, Splash was exhausted and full by Sunday afternoon.
Chowder, Cheers, and Community
If you’ve been to the Clam Chowder Cook-Off before, you know it’s more than a friendly culinary showdown—it brings together families, local chefs, and chowder-lovers from all over, and the proceeds from the sale of the tasting kits benefit the city of Santa Cruz’s Parks & Recreation Department. Splash spent the afternoon cheering on first-time contestants, sampling bowls, and sharing plenty of high‑fives—or high‑wings. Everywhere he turned, people were smiling. The Clam Chowder Cook-Off always brings out the best of Santa Cruz—creativity, community spirit, and bowls full of comfort.
Ruffling Feathers With the Judges
At one point, he wandered over to the judging table, where the official chowder experts were deep in focused evaluations. They invited me to observe their process, and wow, judging chowder is an art form! They talked texture, aroma, balance, creativity… Splash just nodded wisely, pretending he understood more than “yum.”
The Moment of Truth: And the Winners Are…
After hours of stirring, sweating, and savoring, judges tallied their scores, fans casted their votes, and Splash waited as patiently as a pelican can. Becoming an official Chowder Connoisseur is not a small feat, but Splash is never one to shy away from a challenge. And neither were the teams. Check out all the weekend’s big winners here.
Resolution: Accomplished
As the sun set over the Boardwalk, Splash took one last proud look at the empty tasting cups around him. He did it; the first resolution of 2026 accomplished! Whether you’re a seasoned chowder connoisseur or just here for the seaside fun, the Clam Chowder Cook-Off is one of the most flavorful traditions on the coast. And Splash will be first in line for every bite. Until next time, keep your wings wide, your spirits high, and your chowder bowls full.
