 |
Gail Monahan of Racer’s Sports Bar and Restaurant stirs a pot of “Boots” Alwine’s chili in preparation for their fifth year in competition at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society’s Chilifest. |
 |
Jo Botteicher from Bellwood Hometown Markets stirs up a pot of “Deli Divas Devilish Chili” for their first entry in Chilifest. |
 |
Crindy and Amanda Morningstar of Morning Star Restaurant, Bellwood, perfect “Crindy’s Comfort Chili” for their first entry in Chilifest. Missing from the picture are husband, Pat, and daughter, Ashley Morningstar. |
Tired of turkey leftovers? How about a great bowl of chili as a warm-up? Enjoy watching the Steelers play? Attend the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society’s Chilifest and enjoy great tailgate food and watch the Steelers versus Patriots game on a big screen TV.
Chili lovers from throughout the region will be sampling a variety of new entries, as well as some old favorites, in the eighth annual “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” scheduled for Sunday, November 30 at the Altoona Ramada. All proceeds benefits the homeless animals at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
The event draws hundreds of hungry chili fans who can choose from nearly two dozen or more varieties of the spicy dish with competitors battling for prize trophies and plaques. The Steelers versus Patriots game is always a favorite match up that no one wants to miss – so how about combining the two?
Some interesting new entries this year may provide incentive for folks to attend according to CPHS officials. Folks are coming from 60 miles away.
“We’re happy to have Bonfatto’s Restaurant and Lounge coming all the way from Bellefonte to compete,” said Deb Pierce, Marketing Director.
Other new entries are: Tom & Joe’s Restaurant, Pints for Pets Committee is entering Mark Dellinger’s legendary chili, Morning Star Restaurant in Bellwood has challenged Bellwood Hometown Market, and Café Luna is offering a vegan chili that will surprise everyone. Altoona Fire Dept.’s Kirk Mitchell is entering his famous Code 3 chili for the first time.
Boots Alwine from Racer’s Lounge is back in the kitchen, perfecting his Pit Stop Chili and hoping for a win. He has come very close in past years and will be a tough competitor. CoBRH’s Lounge is back with their Snake Bite Chili and Fat Daddy’s BBQ was also very close last year with their Fire in the Hole Chili, tying for second place with CoBRH”s. Michael’s Café is also back this year, with Michael’s Madness, which won first place in 2002 at the first Chilifest.
The event will also feature special appetizers courtesy of Boston Culinary, a raffle, and an opportunity to purchase the special, limited edition “I Survived Satan’s Revenge” tee shirts ($10 each, $15 for XXL) and other CPHS items such as the 2009 Picture Perfect Pet calendars.
Top prize at the cook-off (“Best Bowl”) is a traveling trophy awarded to the best chili as chosen by a celebrity judging panel. The “People’s Choice” award is given on the basis of votes as cast by party-goers. Second and third place winners will be awarded plaques noting their achievement.
A highlight of the event is the Celebrity Challenge. Joe Murgo (WTAJ Chief Meteorologist) has been the perennial winner of the “one-on-one” cookoff challenge in year’s past (except last year, when Carolyn Donaldson won) – is taking on the challenge from WRTA’s Chris Forshey. Joe’s hungry to regain his title and Chris is hungry to win – so it should be a great rivalry.
The event always features a celebrity judging panel that this year will consist of Altoona Mayor Wayne Hippo, Craig “The Iceman” Andrews (Q-94 radio), Elsie Zengel (Altoona Curve), Doug Herendeen (WRTA radio), John Clay (WTAJ Anchor), Carol Logan from Forever Broadcasting, and Kay Stevens from the Altoona Mirror.
Pierce says “prime sponsors” for the event this year in addition to the Altoona Ramada (hosting the event) are City Beverage and Audio Visual Resource Group. Additional sponsors include Always a Party Rentals, New Look Uniform Shop, the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, Lee Food Service, Boston Culinary Group, Blair Insurance, Blair Candy Company, and Splish Splash Auto Bath.
Tickets for the sampling event are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at the CPHS Shelter (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.), the CPHS Thrift (Across from the Shelter), Brew Zoo & Chris’ Hallmark (Pleasant Valley Shopping Center), Thompson Pharmacy (Chestnut Ave., Altoona), and all competing restaurants/taverns.
The ChiliFest will begin with doors open at 4 p.m. and serving scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The event will end at approximately 8 p.m.
All proceeds from the event go to help the homeless animals at the CPHS shelter.
For more information on the event, contact Debbie Pierce at: 942-2477.
