The great Chili & Chowder Challenge of 2011 was held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay and sponsored by Altrusa International, Inc. of Portland, Maine. The organization is comprised of diverse professionals dedicated to providing service to their communities, focusing on literacy, fellowship, and leadership development.
Judges from the Portland Police Department were Sergeant Robert J. Doherty, Jr. and Commander Vern Malloch. Many other local dignitaries served as judges, including Portland's Mayor Nick Mavodones and Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce.
[Sheriff Kevin Joyce]
[Sergeant Robert J. Doherty, Jr. and Mayor Nick Mavodones]
This is Commander Vern Malloch. He's just raring to go to taste those delicious dishes. This is probably one of the most delightful assignments he's had.
[Commander Vern Malloch]
Many area restaurants were vying for top honors, among them: Silly's Restaurant; Kamasouptra; Bruno's; Gilbert's Chowder House; Eastland Park Hotel; Holiday Inn By the Bay, which sponsored the event.
The event was officially opened to the public at 12:30, and people—lots of them—came rushing in. The tables seemed to fill up immediately with ticket holders.
Joanne Doherty, the group's Parliamentarian, took a five-minute break before the big rush. She put a lot of effort into this event and I'm sure it was going to be a very long—but exhilarating—day.
Entertainment was provided by Dick Clark and Curtis (Motown) Haines.
There were two categories of winners; Judges' Awards and People's Choice Awards.
Here's how the voting went for the judges in the chowder category: DiMillo's on the Water came in first, Gilbert's was second, and Mac's Deli & Catering was third.
The judges' chili choices were: Fire and Water Fish and Chop House was first, 157 Cafe at the Eastland Hotel was second, and Gilbert's came in third.
The People's Choice Awards gave first place to Gilbert's in both the chowder and chile category. Bruno's came in second in the chowder category and Fire and Water Fish and Chop House was third.
People's Choice gave Blue Burrito Cafe the second spot for chili and Fire and Water Fish and Chop House took third place.
Sergeant Doherty said "There wasn't a bad meal presented by any of the participants. Everything was really good!"
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