What’s the Dish?


Your Chowder hounds have sniffed down the best culinary events in town. Check back every Thursday for your weekly prix-fixe of foodie festivals, cooking classes, wine tastings, and more.

1217509955July 30-August 3
Maine Lobster Festival

Harbor Park, 275 Main St., Rockland, ME
The focus, of course, is fresh, Maine lobster, but this family fair also features a big parade, art work by local artists, a 10K road race, cooking contests, and children’s activities.

July 31-August 8
Mystic Seaport Wine & Food Festival

Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT
This family event features local gourmet cuisine, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, and seminars by celebrated local chefs, plus live music on the green.

Aug. 1, Noon-10 p.m.; Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 3, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Charlestown Seafood Festival

Ninigret Park, 4470 Old Post Road, Route 1A, Charlestown, RI
Go for the clambake, without any of the work involved. Indulge in lobster, steamers, chowder, fish & chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob, and a raw bar, and while you’re there, browse through an arena of arts and crafts on display.

1217510003Aug. 2, Set up at 8 a.m.
Beast of the East Massachusetts State Chili Cook-off

Bentley Field, Winchendon, MA
Local cooks will compete to represent Massachusetts in the World Championship Chili Cook-off in Reno, NV. It’s a family-oriented event filled with games, music, crafts, and of course, all the chili you can eat.

Aug. 2, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
Cooking Four Seasons Style

Four Seasons, Aujourd’hui kitchen, 200 Boylston St.
Chefs Brooke Vosika and William Kovel, from the Bristol Lounge and Aujourd’hui, will host this cooking class, focused on brunch. Participants will learn how to create perfect lemon ricotta hotcakes, lobster eggs benedict, filled crepes, and more, which they can then recreate at home.

Want more restaurant news? Sign up for our Table Talk newsletter.