After three days of fun in the sun, the 41st Mexican Chili Cookoff left a multitude of winners in its wake.
For throngs of visitors congregated at the festive Tobolandia fairgrounds February 15 through 17, the reward was relishing non-stop entertainment, great eats and a vast array of goods and services offered in the market place.
Culinary competitions at the heart of event drew dozens of contestants keen on walking away with cash awards, trophies and bragging rights.
In Friday’s salsa contest, the judges’ panel picked Perry’s Pizza for first place, Malta & Grill for second and Frida’s Restaurante for third, with Forest Grill earning the tasting public’s preference for the people’s choice trophy.
In the collateral margarita contest, the judges panel placed Merendero Lake Burger in first, Incognito Casa in second, with D’harma Restaurant and Xolo Cocina tied for third. Malta & Grill Restaurant’s cocktail won people’s choice.
Winners at Saturday’s chili cookoff were Caribbean Confusion by Larry Overall, first; Love in Action, second; Blue Moon Restaurant, third; and Casa Mayabela & Rangers BBQ, people’s choice. Sunday’s top chili pots were prepared by Perry’s Pizza, first; Palé Restaurant, second; Centro de Desarrollo, third; and Blue Moon Restaurant, people’s choice.
The really big winners of the annual hoedown are the hundreds of local people who benefit from charitable organizations that share the Cookoff’s proceeds: Casa de Ancianos de Chapala, Centro de Desarrollo Jocotepec, Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, Cruz Roja Chapala, Escuela para Niños Especiales, Lake Chapala Shrine Club, Love in Action Center, Niños de Chapala y Ajijic and Niños Incapacitados del Lago.
And the winners are ...
Not winners but...
The Lucky Dog Rescue and Adoption Center added puppy power to the inaugural Chili Cookoff parade on the morning of Saturday, February 16. The three-day event attracted large crowds, raising lots of cash for needy lakeside charities.