First Annual Chili Cookoff
Posted by Kathleen Valletta
Some four or so years ago Putnam Hospital Center approached the service organizations in the county seeking pledges for the Hospital building Fund. Until that time the Carmel Rotary Club annually supported the Hospital providing volunteers to run the ticket booth for the rides at the Hospital Fair also running the games concession. After discussion and consideration, the Club's Board of Directors decided that rather than pledge a set sum of money, we would hold an annual fundraiser and dedicate the proceeds to the Hospital.
This year, after several successful Wine Tasting events, we decided to try something different and decided on a chili cook off. McCarthy's on Route 52 in Carmel gave us the run of their place for the event. Chet Kneble, an animator by profession gave us a logo, and we were on our way to a great event.
Five professional cook entered our contest; Arthur Avenue Deli, Carmel Diner, George's Place, and Mayfield's King Kone. In the Amateur division, there were six entrants: Richard Gold, Jim Mcmorrow, Valerie Piersall, Emiline Ramos, Ed Schaffer, And Kathy Valletta.
The chili was hot, the music, played by our own Bob Gentile and Ed Schaffer, was Cool! The Carmel Junior Varsity Cheerleaders showed off their stuff teaching us LiNe dAnCiNg to Cotton Eyed Joe and Achey - Breaky Heart.
The cook off rules were simple;
Chili can be with meat, or without
with beans, pasta, rice or without
with veggies, or without!
The cooks brought 2 gallons of their best stuff for the more than 75 patrons who came to taste and vote on their choice for the best batch. Our professional cooks vied for a five hundred dollar prize; the winner, Arthur Avenue Deli beat out the runner up, Mayfield King Kone by only four votes with George's Place close behind.
The amateurs BEST DARNED CHILI award went to Ed Schaffer for his amazing entry with a smokey corn kick.
So while we made money for PHC,
We got to experience new culinary,
The chili was hot
The music was cool
The Carmel cheerleaders showed us that they rule!
The music by Ed and Bob and their mates
Kept all of us happy as we cleaned our plates
The chili was hot
The music was cool
Can't wait for the next chili cook off duel!
Five professional cook entered our contest; Arthur Avenue Deli, Carmel Diner, George's Place, and Mayfield's King Kone. In the Amateur division, there were six entrants: Richard Gold, Jim Mcmorrow, Valerie Piersall, Emiline Ramos, Ed Schaffer, And Kathy Valletta.
The chili was hot, the music, played by our own Bob Gentile and Ed Schaffer, was Cool! The Carmel Junior Varsity Cheerleaders showed off their stuff teaching us LiNe dAnCiNg to Cotton Eyed Joe and Achey - Breaky Heart.
Chili can be with meat, or without
with beans, pasta, rice or without
with veggies, or without!
The cooks brought 2 gallons of their best stuff for the more than 75 patrons who came to taste and vote on their choice for the best batch. Our professional cooks vied for a five hundred dollar prize; the winner, Arthur Avenue Deli beat out the runner up, Mayfield King Kone by only four votes with George's Place close behind.
The amateurs BEST DARNED CHILI award went to Ed Schaffer for his amazing entry with a smokey corn kick.
We got to experience new culinary,
The music was cool
The Carmel cheerleaders showed us that they rule!
Kept all of us happy as we cleaned our plates
The music was cool
Can't wait for the next chili cook off duel!