And the winners are...

They came, they tasted, they boogied the afternoon away!

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce held the 18th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off this past Saturday, April 12, 2013 at the Carolina Beach Lake.  

A record-setting crowd got to enjoy delicious chowder from nine local and regional restaurants from Carolina Beach to Wilmington and as far away as Shallotte. Thousands enjoyed great food, good music, and family fun, with the kids and the entire family at this family-oriented event. Children enjoyed the park's playground and a Kidz Zone with face-painting, a giant inflatable slide and more. The gates were scheduled to open at 11:30 am, but due to the crowds, people were admitted by 11:00 am.

A distinguished panel of judges including Mayors, Councilmen and Media personalities selected:

Gibby's Dock and Dine - Judge's 1st Place Winner
Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant - Judge's 1st Runner Up

The coveted People's Choice 1st place winner went to:

Havana's Fresh Island Restaurant - People's Choice 1st Place (for the 4th year in a row!!)
Gibby's Dock and Dine - People's Choice 1st Runner Up

Two additional prizes were awarded with the Most Enthusiastic Tent going to Havana's and the Best Decorated Tent went to Gibby's.


During the Chowder Cook-Off, The Mark Roberts Band entertained the 3,500+ folks, while they ate chowder, swayed to the beat and downed a cold beverage in the picture-perfect Pleasure Island afternoon. The Chamber would like to thank all their sponsors (Eye Care Associates, Carolina Family Medicine and Urgent Care, R.A. Jeffries Distributing and the Town of Carolina Beach), as well as all our volunteers, Step-Up For Soldiers, The Pleasure Island Parrot Heads and especially the nine competing restaurants.