The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Local chef named chili champion
Cookoff draws large crowd, overall turnout lower than past years
By Daniel Lai, Editor
PUBLISHED: February 21, 2008
Though the number of entrants was smaller than previous years, the American Legion Hall was filled to capacity Saturday for the 11th annual Manchester Men's Club Chili Cookoff.
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"As far as public turnout, it was excellent," event coordinator and Men's Club member Jack Summers, said. "We would've loved to have a few more chefs, but it ended up working with what we had."
With 18 chefs competing in the cookoff, Manchester residents didn't leave the event on an empty stomach.
This year, first place went to Chef Chris, while second place went to the Chili Chicks, Laura and Amelia Woods. Third place went to Mario Cario of Ypsilanti and the Best Decortaed Booth Award went to the Deer Camp booth of Marc Boote, Jean Kemeter and Ann Roberts.
"I was definitely surprised to win," Chef Chris said. "The last chili cookoff I won was back in 1995 in Ohio; I won it for the entire state."
Chris said his secret ingredient is freshness.
"Don't buy canned tomatoes," he said. "I only use fresh vegetables to bring out the flavor."
Chris said his next venture will be coordinating the Men's Club Blues and Ribs Fest in May.
"I've already started getting it planned out and booking the bands," he said. "It should be a good one this year."
Brandon Lentz and Jason Row, who have entered their "outlaw chili" in the competition for the past two years, said though they haven't won, they enjoy attending the event.
"We've won in Tecumseh," Lentz said. "I like to change it (the recipe) up every now and then, but there's only so much you can do with it. I don't think I can change it anymore because I think it's the best."
Michael Barnard, whose table "Beer Camp Chili," failed to garner any awards, said he enjoys cooking at the event and hanging out with friends.
"I like to cook; I'm the cook off the household," he said.
Barnard said last year, his booth managed to garner the "best decorated booth" award and was disappointed to see it lose this year.
"I'm not sure why my chili didn't win," he said. "This is my own recipe. It's all about the flavor and this has some great flavors that give it a nice kick."
Residents Allen and Bob Scharpenberg said they have entered the competition every year and have won second, third and fourth place.
"We've never managed to win first," Bob Scharpenberg said with a laugh.
Rookie chef Bill O'Brian entered his trademark chicken turkey chili.
"It's not too spicy and not too hot," he said. "We have a chili cookoff at home every year and chili is just something I love to make. You never make the same chili twice."
O'Brian said though he didn't place in this year's competition, he plans on returning with a fresh recipe next year.
"I think it's fun," he said. "It's nice to participate in an event like this where the proceeds benefit the community and the Men's Club does so much."
In addition to the cookoff, several raffle prizes were given out courtesy of DVD Revolution, Classic Pizza, the American Legion Women's Auxiliary, Coffee Mill CafÈ, Wolf's Westside Auto, Norris Floor Covering and Stockwell's Family Dining.
"A lot of businesses contributed to our event and we greatly appreciate all their help," Summers said.
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