Nautical Beachfront Resort Takes First Place People’s Choice At Southwest Chowderfest

By Janet Cruz

Food lovers gathered Saturday at Lake Havasu State Park Windor 4, for an afternoon of savory samples and community spirit during this year’s Chowderfest for a great cause sponsored by Anderson Toyota, and hosted by Soroptimist of Lake Havasu City Chapter, in partnership with the Lake Havasu Chamber Foundation For Education and Leadership (CFEL).

Attendees sampled a variety of chowders and cast their votes, helping determine which eatery earned top peoples choice honors and local bragging rights.

The event featured a friendly chowder competition among local restaurants, each serving up its own take on the classic dish and in the end, first place and people’s choice award went to The Nautical Beach Front resort, followed by Harley’z & Hot Rodz, and third Wiles Baja Grill.

From Left to right, John Versola, Tapatha Rock, osten Dandan from the Nautical Beachfront Resort. Winners of people’s choice award and Golden Ladle. Janet Cruz/ Riverscene

“The Nautical Beach Front Resort has been at this competition before but it is my first year myself,” said Tapatha Rock, from the Nautical Beach Front Resort.

“We made a chipotle chicken, fire roasted hatch chili with fire-roasted corn. “I made about 15 gallons of it,” Rock said.

People’s Choice First Place The Nautical Beachfront Resort. Photo courtesy Michelle Guardia.

John Versola from the Nautical Beachfront Resort Serving up Chowder. Janet Cruz/ Riverscene

Judge’s choice went to first-place Harleyz and Hot Rodz; second, Iron Wolf; and third, College Brewhouse.

“This has taken months of planning, pretty much since September,” said Soroptimist member, Debbie Harris. ” We have eight restaurants and about a total of 20 vendors. This year we were open for one extra hour,” Harris said.

“This event wouldn’t be possible, without our sponsors, volunteers and partnerships with non profits like the chamber Foundation For Education and Leadership.” Harris said.

Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs that provide access to education, empowerment opportunities and resources that help them achieve economic independence proceeds from the event go toward scholarships in Lake Havasu City.

Beyond the chowders, live music filled the air as visitors browsed vendor booths and sampled selections from breweries, distilleries and wineries.

Different food and coffee trucks added to the lineup, offering additional bites and beverages to complement the chowder tastings.

DD’s Cotton Candy, One of many vendors also at Chowderfest 2026. Janet Cruz/ Riverscene

Families, friends and visitors enjoyed the lakefront setting while supporting local businesses and restaurants. Organizers said the event successfully brought the community together for an afternoon centered on food, entertainment and friendly rivalry.

“The Chamber Foundation For Education And Leadership came together and said we can do this, this is a partnership that continues to grow and its something we are doing very well,” it is also great to split some of the proceeds between both charities,” said CFEL Board member, Austin Ruffner.

With strong attendance and plenty of full bowls, Chowderfest once again proved to be a popular late-winter tradition in Lake Havasu City.