It's been just a few hours since the last of the chili leftovers were stowed in the fridge, but folks are already talking about plans for our next Blue Shutters Beachside Chili Cookoff. Last night's event -- our first-ever -- featured nine different chili contestants...and even more very happy unofficial chili tasters. It was up to our judges -- Jeremy Goldberg of the Cape Ann Brewing Company and Doug Silva of the Topside Grill and Pub (that's them in this photo) -- to chose the winner. Taking the trophy was Joe Paonessa of Stoneham, who was awarded a gift card for a free return visit to the Blue Shutters. Jeremey and Doug also chose second- and third-place runner-ups -- Mark Sapienza of Stoneham and Sheri Dellagrotta of Rhode Island -- and rewarded them with gift certificates to the brewery and the Topside (Mark had an a bit of an advantage...he's the executive chef at the Langham Hotel in Boston; he'll be back at the Blue Shutters next month to headline our wine and food tasting). The judges agreed: it was a tough decision, with a varity of chili recipes and every one was a winner. In addition to chili, guests enjoyed a selection of Cape Ann Brewery beers (courtesy of Jeremy), wine and sangria, Valentine's desserts and all of the usual chili accompaniments. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a fun evening. We'll be holding another Blue Shutters Chili Cookoff -- once we finish off the left-overs...which could take quite awhile. But for now, our focus is set on our next event: a Mardi Gras Murder Mystery on March 5. If that's half as much fun as the Chili Cookoff (and our past murder mystery nights) we're all in for great evening.
1 comment:
I want to know about the next cooking contest/event please! I would love to have been part of that--and I make pretty good chili! Thanks, Laurie Lufkin
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