Community Corner

Chili Cook-Off Is Today

And let's not forget the gumbo. And live music, and a celebrity judge, we're told...

The Olde Town Tucker Merchants Association is hosting its first Annual Chili and Gumbo Cook-Off today, Saturday, Feb. 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street.

There are four different categories: Best Restaurant Chili, Best Individual/Team Chili, People's Choice and Best Gumbo. There is a $30 entry fee for individuals and teams and a $50 entry fee for restaurants. Each team will receive two event T-shirts.

Local cook Jim Kinney is among the 45 contestants already signed up and will be there with his wife Ginny* under the Brewer's Conundrum banner. "Smoked brisket and pork shoulder form the foundation of my chili," Kinney told Patch. His recipe calls for tomatoes, bacon-infused chilies, onion and garlic mixed with various beans as well as green pepper chunks and jalapeno peppers.

Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Enough heat to warm but not burn makes it a delight," he said, adding that he is looking forward to sampling the efforts of his competitors. 

Winners will receive a trophy showing the world that they have the best chili in Tucker as well as gift certificates to local businesses. The judges will be local chefs, foodies, and a surprise celebrity judge.

Find out what's happening in Tuckerwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Organizer Jamey Wilson spoke to Patch this afternoon. "Crossing our fingers for good weather, but prepared for bad," he said. Wilson has ordered a top for the stage so there will be live music rain or shine. "(It) should be a great day even if it does rain," he added.

Bands playing at the event will be The Trio Show, with members of local Tucker- based Moontower and The Last Waltz Ensemble, as well as Will and the Way, featuring Will Turpin from Collective Soul.

Tickets are $5 and give access to taste all the contestants’ chili and also one vote in the people’s choice category. The event will raise money for Tapestri, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending violence and oppression in refugee and immigrant communities. Tapestri will be selling soft drinks and water while adult beverages will be available from The Local 7. Event sponsors are New Belgium Brewing, Go Creative Go, The Local 7 and The Tucker Cruisers.

"This is my first competition so I'm very excited," Kinney said. "It will be a blast of a day."

There's more information right here.

*Ginny Mauldin-Kinney is a contributing writer for Tucker Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here