With the 2024 Chowder Cook-Off not far off, Sunday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., two of the 10 participating restaurants, both in the red Manhattan Chowder category, provided insight into what makes their recipes so special – without giving away any secrets, of course.

Todd Elsasser, general manager of Panzone’s in Surf City and Beach Haven, described their entry as traditional and clean, “without a bunch of unnecessary additions. Our local seafood is some of the best out there; who are we to hide it?”