Diman is pleased to announce that our Room 251 Restaurant was awarded first place in table presentation at the 2023 New Bedford Seafood Chowderfest. Not only did the school present a menu from the restaurant, we also displayed samples of work from shops and our school colors of orange and black. 

Diman sent two Culinary Arts instructors (Chef Christopher McGovern and Chef Meredith Guilbeault-Rose) and four students (Katie Miranda, Hailie Perreira, Ruby Garcia Carrillo, and Nelmariluz Artache Santiago) to the competition, held on Saturday, September 30, 2023. It was the school's first time competing at the annual festival.

Diman competed against 13 other well-established and known restaurants from the New Bedford area. The criteria for the judging was categorized by clam/ seafood chowder, specialty soup, signature soup, and table presentation, with each category receiving a first and second place trophy.

Diman Room 251 arrived and was ready to present their hard work in preparing 40 gallons of Room 251 Clam Chowder topped with freshly-made pate choux made in our bakery by Chef Cathleen Wiley and students. The event started at 11 am for VIP guests and doors officially opened at noon. As the patrons arrived, the tent was filled with guests eager to try all the competing soups and chowders. Voting began and wrapped up by 3pm in order to announce all the winners by 4pm.

This event was held on City Pier 3, located behind the Black Whale Restaurant. 

Diman may not have received 1st Place for Room 251 Chowder this year, but will be ready to come back strong in 2024!