Hamilton College's annual chili cook-off took place in The Little Pub on February 19 from 1-4 p.m. As one of the numerous events for FebFest, the chili cook-off brought students, professors and staff together to compete, eat and share the result of their cooking abilities with one another.
All participants, cookers and tasters were allowed to vote among the 11 chili samples made by members of the Hamilton community. Participants were given a sheet with a list of the different chili names to make their vote. While tasters tried different chili samples, the cookers -- draped with purple aprons-- did what they could to promote their own chili. Alex Morrison '05, for example, framed a picture of the 80s pop singers, Milli Vanilli, to advertise his unique "Milli Vachili" submission.
There were a variety of creative names for each chili submission, such as "Chili-Chili Bang Bang," "Rachel's Rockin' Rodeo in Your Mouth," and "Thunder from Down Under." Each of the 11 chili samples not only differed in name, but also in spiciness and in ingredient. Although most chili samples included beef or chicken, some chili submissions, such as "Very Veggie Chili" and "Vegan Thunder," considered those who like their vegetarian chili.
Although there were numerous chili submissions, the chili quickly ran out by 3 p.m. because of the multiple participants. The staff therefore announced the winners of the cook-off shortly after. The grand prize winner went to "Downhome Deliciousness" by Bill Chenevert '05 and Kate Borne '06, who received a silver engraved cup commemorating this year's cook-off. Rachel Manwill '05 received second place with her "Rachel's Rockin' Rodeo in Your Mouth," and Alex Morrison '05 received third place with his "Milli Vachili." For their prizes, Rachel and Alex won stainless steel cooking pots with assorted hot sauces, a variety of utensils, and their choice of a FebFest pint or wine glasses.
Honorable mentions were also given to Professor Phil Klinkner's "Ward Churchili" for the "most creative" name and to the submitted "Keeping the Faith" for the "hottest" chili submission.
-- by Shin-Jung Hong '05
