The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society’s annual “Satan’s Revenge” ChiliFest is in the books for another year.
Tyrone’s Bull Pen restaurant scored big in the event held Sunday evening at Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille in Logan Township. The restaurant captured second and third place finishes in the People’s Choice and Best Bowl competitions respectively.
This year’s event featured 17 different chilis. The event featured 15 chilis in the “People Choice” and “Best Bowl” competitions plus a celebrity battle between WTAJ meteorologist Joe Murgo with “Murgo’s Meltdown” and entertainer Zupe who served up “Showstopper Chili.” Zupe was once again the “official” entertainer at the annual event, according to CPHS head Dave Hopkins. It was close, but Murgo won by two votes.
The celebrity-judging panel included some newcomers as well as some old faces. The event also included some new entries from restaurants throughout the area. Racer’s from Bald Eagle participated once again in this year’s event.
The celebrity panel featured newcomers WTAJ-TV news anchorman John Clay, Altoona Mirror city editor Jay Young and Bruce Wissinger, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page editor. Other judges were Sam Zema (Daily Herald), Roger Corey (WALY radio), Travis Koshko (WWCP-TV), Elsie Zengel (Altoona Curve), Craig Andrews (Q-94 radio), gastroenterologist Dr. Ralph McKibbin and neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Moncman.
The ChiliFest debuted new and different entries from restaurants such as Signatures (at Scotch Valley Country Club) with “Signatures Back Nine” chili and “Par Three” chili, The Heidelberg Country Club (“HCC Tex/Mex Style” chili and “Three Bean Chili”), Fatty’s Pub (Altoona) with “Paint Peeling Chili” and “Fowl Tasting Chili” and the U.S. Hotel Restaurant & Tavern (Hollidaysburg) with “Holy Habanero!” chili.
Returning restaurants Uriah’s Pub (winner of last year’s “Best Bowl” with their “Tijuana Red” chili), The Phoenix (a previous “Best Bowl” winner) serving up their all-new variety “Red Glare” chili, The Bull Pen (“Bull Pen Chili”), Racer’s Sports Bar with “Pit Stop” chili and “Checkered Flag” chili and host restaurant Burgi’s Roundhouse with “Diesel Fuel” and “Steam Engine” chili.
The winner in this year’s People Choice competition was a familiar entry for those who have attended past events. The Altoona Fire Department’s “Flashover” chili won for the fourth year in a row. Hopkins said the department’s Rick Weidlich “was coaxed out of retirement” to serve up the “Flashover” chili once again.
As mentioned, The Bull Pen finished second while Uriah’s Pub’s “Tijuana Red” was third.
In the “Best Bowl” category, newcomer Fatty’s Pub scored twice with a second place finish for its “Paint Peeling Chili” and a first place finish for “Fowl Tasting Chili” while the Bull Pen took third place as previously mentioned.
Hopkins said more than 220 people attended this year’s event to raise money for the Humane Society.
“We really thank our judging panel and especially want to thank our sponsors this year,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins said, “prime sponsor” City Beverage is new to the event this year. Other sponsors include: New Look Uniform, Splish-Splash Carwash, the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Condon’s Auto Repair, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, Building II Recreation Center, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Abby and Maggie Moncman, Blair Insurance, McAleer’s Plumbing and V.I.P. Pets and Aquarium.
