Chow Down

Liquid assets were in abundance when the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County staged its 8th annual Chowder Fest Charity Cookoff at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree.

Featuring 15 eateries, 11 vintners, and five breweries, more than 400 turned out for the foodie fest, raising around $60,000 for the 58-year-old nonprofit that provides civil legal representation and advice to low-income families and individuals.

Garry Tetalman chaired the bustling bash, while culinary whizzes Michael Hutchings, Stella Mare‘s Roth Ironside, David Rosner of the Big Eye Raw Bar, and Jamie West of the University Club, judged the selection of chowders on display, awarding the top prize to the Three Pickles, with the Chase and the Chumash Casino Resort runners up.

The Jalama Beach Café won the People’s Choice Award.