Chili/Chowder Cookoff

Joe and I often do things on a whim. After our morning walk, my friend Patti and I met up with Joe at everyday lunch for — what else — lunch. That evening everyday lunch would be hosting their Chili and Chowder Cookoff fundraiser for Think Local First. We got swept up in the general enthusiasm — Patti was volunteering, and chefs Chewy and Brendan were cooking up their own entry — and Joe and I both knew where we'd be eating dinner.

There was a catch, of course. We had tickets to the UM Department of Theatre & Drama's performance of Shaw's You Never Can Tell, which meant we'd need to watch the clock so we'd have enough time to get to the theater. And, of course, since we'd be a bit dressed up (I like dressing up for the theater), we'd have to be extra careful to not spill chili on ourselves. So it was that I tottered around in my heels with a heavy camera and flash slung around my shoulders, trying to balance a small paper "bowl", a spoon, a score sheet, a pencil, and a wine glass.

(Really, wouldn't we have all been better off with four arms and hands? Just think! You could play your own piano duets. Or cook twice as much, twice as fast!)

And Joe and I had a grand time, running into old friends and meeting new people. And in spite of my insufficient number of hands, I still managed to stuff myself with chili and chowder. Seven chowder entrants and eight chilis, all of them different. Smoked haddock, applewood smoked clam, basil-flavored, and a nice rich traditional New England chowder, a just corn chowder, etc. On the chili side there were two chicken chilis, an assortment of different beef and bean chilis, including an espresso beer flavored one, ox tail, and even a vegan chili. I managed to try most of them, but sadly I missed a few. Our only regret was that we had to leave before we were ready to go. We're looking forward to next year's Chili & Chowder Cookoff.

NOTE: If any of the entrants reading this actually have recipes for their entries (which I realize is a long shot), please post them. I might try to make one or two later and do a full post on it.

In Second Place:

2nd Place Chili winner Jane, daughter of fellow food blogger Mom's Kitchen, with her Spring Chili. The homemade tomatillo sauce took this chicken chili to the next level.

(2nd Place Chowder went to Laura M. I did not get to sample this one, but I think this was the C.S.I. chowder, which Joe did try and thought was great. If so, it included squid and fish balls, and was orange.)

In First Place:

Chewy (left) serving up his 1st place winning Spanish Bullfighter's chili, and "Most Original" winner Alex (right) with his Wisconsin Chili.

The Spanish Bullfighter's chili was made of ox tail, and was smooth and rich — gourmet chili. Alex's Wisconsin Chili used golden raisins, which contrasted especially well with the cheddar cheese they supplied.

The belles of the evening: Chowder 1st Place Winner Kate, and her sister Courtney who took "Best Overall."

Kate served up her delicious Basilicious Chowder, and Courtney was mobbed by the crowd (Joe, um, had two bowls) for her "Lobster Loves Sweet Potato" Chowder. Their chowders were not only fabulous, but they demonstrated excellent use of garnish that enhanced both the appearance and the flavor.

Comments

[Dr. Electro]

That sounds like a totally yummy evening! I would love to try some of those chilis and chowders.

[TeacherPatti]

It was such a great time! And I totally want to eat at Everyday Cook again!! :)
I'm so glad that you both went!

[Mom]

Thanks for the shout out! Jane was so proud...and I am proud that you got a picture of me with my eyes open for once! It was a pleasure to finally meet you and *your man* in real life. Love your blog and posts to annarborfood.

[Brisbane Marketing]

Nice post and great photos to make the story interesting. I'm feeling hungry now. Methinks Chilli is in order.