Crowds of people sample chowders, soups and bisques during the fourth-annual Chowdafest in Westport Saturday.

Photo Credit: Contributed: Bruce MacNair

The new Chowdafest mascot, Chef Quahog, is surrounded by the large crowd Saturday during the fourth-annual event.

Photo Credit: Contributed: Bruce MacNair

WESTPORT, Conn. – Over 600 gallons of soups, bisques and chowders were slurped down by about 2,400 people during Westport's fourth-annual Chowdafest, making it the most successful year ever, event chairman Jim Keenan announced.

Compared to last year's event, Keenan said, there was a 40 percent increase in attendance, and net profits were estimated to be 40 to 50 percent higher. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Connecticut Food Bank.

Twenty-four area restaurants competed in the event. The following are the winners, selected by attendees, in each category:

▪ New England Clam Chowder

1st place: Mansion Clam House, Westport

2nd place: Rory's, Darien

3rd place: O'Neill's, Norwalk

▪ Soup/Bisque

1st place: Crab Shell, Stamford (New York Giant lobster bisque)

2nd place: Southport Brewing Co., Southport/Stamford/ Branford/Milford/Hamden (sausage, egg and cheese sandwich soup)

3rd place: Liquid Lunch, Shelton/Milford/Fairfield (roasted cauliflower soup)

▪ Creative Chowder

1st place: Ginger Man, Norwalk (sweet potato clam chowder)

2nd place: Crab Shell, Stamford (New England Patriot crab chowder)

3rd place: Dunville's, Westport (Louisiana seafood chowder)

▪ Critic's Choice Award (best overall entry, voted by chefs only)

1st place: Ginger Man, Norwalk

2nd place: Cactus Rose Cantina, Wilton

3rd place: Tavern on Main, Westport