Chowder Power at the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off

Bring your appetite to the 20th annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off in Wilmington.

The lively festival gathers the best chefs from Pleasure Island, Monkey Junction and Wilmington to compete in a cook-off to see who serves up the best version of the creamy seafood soup. In addition to a contest judged by professionals, visitors vote on their favorite chowders in a peoples’ choice competition, and awards are also given for best decorated and most enthusiastic. In 2015, Havana’s Fresh Island Grill, Shelby Jean’s on the Boardwalk, Gibby’s Dock & Dine, and Saint’s Cove Beach Bar & Grill all took home prizes.

This year’s cook-off is scheduled for April 9 at Carolina Beach Lake. In addition to lots of tasty eats, guests can enjoy live music, a kids’ area and more. For more information and highlights from 2015’s festival, visit pleasureislandnc.org or call (910) 458-8434.