On November 3, supporters of the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (LAF) came out for the 10th annual Chowder Fest at the Carriage and Western Art Museum. Crocodile Restaurant & Bar at Lemon Tree Inn was crowned the Chowder Champion based on votes by guests, with Chumash Casino Resort taking 1st Runner Up and Enterprise Fish Company and Savoy Cafe & Deli tying for 2nd Runner Up.
The 350 plus guests enjoyed the warm sunshine, tunes by Spencer the Gardener, and sampling chowders from 11 purveyors. There was also an assortment of other food, beverages from nearly 20 wineries and breweries, and silent auction offerings. The event was a fun and delicious afternoon, and the best part was that it raised more than $65,000 in critical funds for the Santa Barbara Legal Aid Foundation. Other chowder providers were Bluewater Grill, Chase Bar & Grill, Lucky’s, Maravilla, Roost, S.B. Woodfire Catering, and Shoreline Cafe.
Founded in 1959, the nonprofit Legal Aid Foundation provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals, including low income residents, people with disabilities, seniors, and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, trafficking or other abuse. Attorneys in its Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc offices provide advice and direct representation.