The Rotary Club of Coral Gables has announced plans for its inaugural Chili Cook-Off, Chili Chillin’, during which members of the South Florida community will compete to see who makes the best chili.
The Rotary Club is hosting this event to raise money for its charitable projects, and to provide a fun event for the community. This will be the very first major Chili Cook-Off conducted in Coral Gables, and plans are to make this an annual event.
The event will take place on Sunday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park located on Ponce de Leon Boulevard south of Miracle Mile. Contestants from local high schools, restaurants, and fire departments will be participating.
In the Open division, anyone is eligible to compete in two categories — best meat chili and best vegetarian chili. Prizes awarded will be trophies for the first, second, and third place, as well as cash prizes. There also will be prizes given for the Best Decorated Booth, as well as the People’s Choice Award where attendees may weigh in on their favorites. Winning teams will get cash prizes, and one trophy will be awarded to the best of each division to display for the entire year. Contestants will be judged by community leaders as well as some local “celebrities.”
The Chili Cook-Off is free to attend, and there will be tickets sold for those who want to taste the chili. There will be entertainment for the whole family, with live music by The Stiltsville and Funk Pedal, bounce houses, and other kids activities. Come out and enjoy the fun and the food and support the local “chefs.” There also will be food and a variety of beverages for sale, including a beer garden sponsored by Concrete Beach Brewery.
Fred B. Harnett Ponce Circle Park is located at 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Sponsors include Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables; Coral Gables Hospital; Concrete Beach Brewery; The Slesnick Family Foundation; Sacher, Martini & Sacher PA; Colbert, Boue & Juncadella; Tonkinson Financial; Stanfill Funeral Homes; Coral Gables LaSalle Cleaners; The Stiltsville, and Vortex Communications.
To register as a chef and to reserve your booth space, follow the information on the website at www.chilichillin.com, or call 305-441-8063.
