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The Town of Cutler Bay’s annual Chili Cook-Off has always been one of the most popular events in the area, but this year it broke am attendance record. More than 6,000 people gathered at Cutler Ridge Park on Saturday, Jan. 25, to sample and vote on a variety of recipes for chili, salsa, and cornbread.
There was live music by hometown band Cutler Stew, food trucks and activities for children, including inflatables and face painting. State Rep. Omar Blanco, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, supervisor of elections Alina Garcia, and tax collector Dariel Fernandez made an appearance, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levina Cava took the stage alongside Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott for a musical number that was high energy.
The chili recipes were judged by a local chef, an assistant principal, town councilmembers, a business owner and a comedian, as well as by the people attending for the “People’s Choice” awards. Trophies resembling small pots of chili were presented to the winners.
2025 Chili Cook-Off top finishers:
Restaurant Division
Best Chili: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
Best Salsa: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
Best Decorated Booth: Mee Maws Chili
Salsa
1st Place: Flava Unit
2nd Place: Hanns On
3rd Place: Miami Firefighter’s Benevolent Association
Chili
1st Place: Comfy Homes
2nd Place: Hanns On
3rd Place: O2
Firehouse Chili Winner: Hialeah Fire Department Local 1102
Best Booth
1st Place: Traveling Tailgater
2nd Place: O2
3rd Place: Pigwrecked
People’s Choice Awards
1st Place People’s Choice, Salsa: Ridge Rats Cutler Bay Firehouse 34
2nd Place People’s Choice, Salsa: Hanns On
1st Place People’s Choice, Chili: Pigwrecked
2nd Place People’s Choice, Chili: Hialeah Fire Department Local 1102
Mayor Tim Meerbott said how important the event was for the community.
“The Chili Cook-Off continues to be one of the most anticipated events in our town, bringing together families, local businesses, and organizations for a fun and flavorful competition,” Mayor Meerbott said. “Seeing thousands of people join us to celebrate this 15-year tradition, alongside our local and county leaders, is a testament to the strength and unity of our community.”
Sponsors for this year’s event included HCA Florida Healthcare, Raising Canes Cutler Bay, Nexlevel Contractors Corp. Roofing, Instasmile Cosmetic and General Dentistry, Happy Vibes Drips, and generous funding by Sunstate Bank.
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