Competition in chili contest got heated

There is such a thing as a free lunch, so says Michael Wieler, owner of Westside Coin Laundry and organizer of an annual chili cook-off.

Nine crockpots lined the tables, tempting tasters with their aroma and vivid colours. There were meat and meatless varieties competing for the coveted Chili King title.

While those in attendance were invited to enjoy a ‘free lunch’ and eat until they were thoroughly satisfied, the judges – Ginny Campbell, Marie Maya and Tanya Mundy – carefully taste each offering working toward a consensus in declaring a winner.

The judges, who fancy themselves as pretty good chili cooks, were paying particular attention to the colour, the consistency, the heat and whether or not the beans and vegetables were cooked properly. When asked what she was looking for in a winning chili, Judge Marie deadpanned, ‘one that tastes like mine!’

The winners are – Anne Harmer (Meat), Mel Prest (Meatless) and Madison McCague (People’s Choice). This was Madison’s third award. She is only nine. Mel has won her category five years straight. This was Anne’s first year in the competition.

Fun fact: Mel Press’ meatless, five-times winner, which incorporates quinoa in the recipe, is available on the Westside Fish and Chips menu.

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