Chili lovers will find some tasty new entries in this year’s “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” that has been scheduled for Sunday, November 13 at Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille in Altoona to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
Howard “Boots” Alwine says he learned a lot at last year’s “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” in Altoona. The annual competition and tasting “festival” pits a dozen or so area restaurants and pubs against each other in a chili cook-off.
Boots and company didn’t win top honors in last year’s event but they scored better than a lot of restaurants with years of experience at the cook-off. This year he’s made a few changes to his “Pit Stop” chili he hopes will strike a chord with both the judges and the public. And…he’s bringing in a new entry he calls “Checkered Flag” chili to increase his chances of a win. Boots says the “Flag” chili will be “kicked up” for those who like it hotter than average.
The 74-year-old area native has spent “a good part” of his life at the stove and really enjoys his work. He knows people enjoy his chili by the amount consumed by customers at Racer’s located at the Bald Eagle Intersection. Now that the weather is starting to cool off, Boots looks forward to increased requests for the spicy dish. He hopes his new “Checkered Flag” variety will also become a local favorite.
Meanwhile across town at the Bull Pen, chef Paul Harmison says he has some tricks up his sleeve to make his “Bull Pen chili” stand-out this year. The Bull Pen competed two years ago but sat out last year. The “Pen” and Racer’s have never competed “head-on” and both restaurants are looking forward to the friendly competition.
Harmison too has been cooking for many years….but he’s much younger than Boots. Still, he says he has some secret ingredients that give his chili a taste that keeps customers coming back for more. He too looks forward to the “battle of Tyrone” challenge to see which restaurant will come out on top. He hopes at least one of the two will score with the judges and the public for top honors. Naturally, he’s pulling for the Bull Pen!
This year, ChiliFest will debut 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.
Other familiar offerings will come from crowd favorite Rick Weidlich who will make an unprecedented fourth appearance representing the Altoona Fire Department. Weidlich’s “Flashover” chili has won the “People’s Choice” award for the past three years.
“Rick was coaxed out of retirement to represent the fire department this year. They’re all hoping he’ll get the nod for another win,” said executive director of CPHS and event organizer, Dave Hopkins.
Also scheduled for the event are 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 event will also feature raffle prizes and a 50/50.
A very special feature this year will pit WTAJ-TV meteorologist Joe Murgo with his “Murgo’s Meltdown” against newcomer (and entertainer) Zupe who will offer up his special “Showstopper” chili. Guests will decide the winner by vote.
Zupe, has become the “official” entertainer for the event, according to Hopkins.
“Zupe’s music has been featured on network television shows and made the hit charts in Europe,” Hopkins added. “He’s an amazing talent and we’re proud to have him helping us out again. And….I’ve had his chili and it’s very, very good!”
The celebrity judging panel this year will have some new faces.
“We’ve invited a few major chili lovers who have distinguished themselves through their work in the media,” said Hopkins.
New to the panel this year will be WTAJ-TV news anchorman John Clay, Altoona Mirror city editor Jay Young and Bruce Wissinger, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page editor. Returning judges are Sam Zema (Daily Herald), Roger Corey (WALY radio), Travis Koshko (WWCP-TV), Marty Radovanic (WJAC-TV), Craig Andrews (Q-94 radio), gastroenterologist Dr. Ralph McKibbin and neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Moncman.
“When I was a youngster, my aunt Sarah called me ‘the kid with the cast iron stomach,’” said Zema. “With that in mind, when Dave (Hopkins) issued the challenge for me to participate in the chili event last year, there was no question I had to do it. My aunt didn’t call me that for nothing.
“I’ve been in wing-eating contests and held my own against much bigger competition,” said Zema. “Although this event doesn’t require you to eat the most in a certain time frame, it certainly is interesting to taste several different styles of chili in a short period of time.
“Once again Dave has called on me to put my taste buds to good use for a good cause and I heartily accept the challenge. I had a great time last year and look forward to it again,” Zema added.
“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.
Tickets for the all-you-can eat event are $12 and can be purchased at the CPHS shelter, the CPHS Thrift Shop (220 E. Walton Ave., Altoona), Chris’ Hallmark (Pleasant Valley Shopping Center), Thompson Pharmacy (Chestnut Ave., Altoona), V.I.P. Pets/Aquarium and all competing restaurants/pubs. They must be purchased in advance; none will be sold at the door.
All proceeds from the event go to help the animals waiting for new homes at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
For more information on the event, contact Hopkins at 942-2477.
