Local Chili Cook Off Heats Things Up for a Good Cause

Attendees of the third annual Hot in the Harbor found a tasty way to stay toasty this weekend despite fresh snowfall on Saturday.

For a $5 entry, event-goers got an all-they-could-sample pass to test their taste buds with chili from ten different entries, including seven individuals and three local businesses: , and .

To determine the winners, each event-goer was given six tickets to deposit in the ballot box for their top three individual picks and the same process for their favorite businesses, with votes tallied after 2 p.m.

Erica Roller’s fish chili took top honors in the individual category, with Verdun Cecil’s aloha chili in second place and Kathie Gordon’s chicken chili taking third.

This year’s trophy for the commercial category was Taste of Africa, which featured a recipe of pork, cabbage, onions and beans. Though this savory version was made especially for the event, owner Ugbana Otikor plans on adding the much raved about chili to the menu.

“This is our first chili contest, so I’m really proud,” he said.

With the steel drums of Caribbean music setting the tone, tasters of all ages donned brightly colored leis and circled the room, gratefully spooning up a different chili variation at each stop. Flavors ranged from traditional to smoked fish to spicy chocolate.

Angel Tello, owner of Tellos Grill & Cafe, has participated in the event since its inception and enjoys the ability to build relationships with customers.

“I think it’s great to work with the community — we love it,” he said, serving up a bowl of the restaurant’s spicy Mexican-style chili.

The chili cook off event — hosted in the former Wilson House, 200 N. Franklin St. — is also a fundraiser for the Port Washington Main Street Program.

John Sigwart, Chair of the Organization Committee for Port Washington Main Street, said the establishment helps fund “everything from facade plans to business planning assistance” for the community.

Sigwart estimated around 100 people came through the doors of the Wilson House for the fundraiser. The total number of earnings, which also included what was made at the bar, was expected to be tallied by Tuesday.

The cheerful conversations occurring around the tables offered some proof that the event was a success, with remarks about people feeling a little full.

“I’m all chili’d out though,” remarked Belgium resident Dan Bares after making his rounds. “I’m sweatin’!”