By Connie Leinbach
Austin Daniel is collecting a lot of Clam Chowder Cook-off trophies.
His “Shut Your Clam Mouth” chowder captured the most votes in the Innovative category.
Winners of this fundraising event Sept. 19 for the Ocracoke Community Pool Association were determined by the more than 140 attendees who paid for the chance to taste all of the chowders and then cast their votes for the best traditional and innovative soups.
Daniels, who is the chef and owner of Stockroom Street Food, said his winning chowder won twice before. Ingredients include red curry, sweet potatoes and clam broth.
“It’s a classic,” he said. “It’s just fun to do.”
His other entry was “Green Envy,” with green curry and other ingredients.
Bettina Meekins offered a family favorite that was full of vegetables, such as fresh sweet corn, okra, celery, red pepper, potatoes, onions, country ham and bacon.
It was Meekins’s first attempt at the contest to support the pool, of which she is a staunch supporter.
“It’s important that we have a community pool,” she said.
Capturing the traditional prize was first-time chowder entrant Shanon Eiben.
“It’s been in the family for generations,” he said about his basic recipe of clams, salt pork, potatoes, green onions, clams and clam juice. “I’ve been cooking it a long time.”
Ruth Toth, president of the association, said she heard people raving about the chowders as they left the Community Center.
“It was a great success,” she said. “We appreciate all the support from the chowder cooks and tasters.”
While the event was held from 3:30 to 5 p.m., many of the chowders were gobbled up in an hour.
Islander Susan Dodd created the unique—and coveted—trophies, which she has done since the first chowder cookoff in 2015 for the former Ocracoke Child Care center.
Last year, the nonprofit association purchased 1.4 acres of land off Cutting Sage Road for the island’s first-ever community swimming pool.
Toth said that every donation until Dec. 31 will be matched up to $10,000 by Catherine Everett and Joe Goins.
To donate, send checks to OCPA, PO Box 1371, Ocracoke, NC 27960. For information, email ocpa23@yahoo.com.
