The Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC) hosted the 21st Annual Chili Cook-off on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at The River Ranch at Carmel Valley Ranch. The event kicked-off at 5pm with music performed by the talented Mark Banks. Professional chefs from all over the Peninsula made a batch of their favorite chili and let the people and the “Foodie Judges” decide on which unique creation was the best. Amateur chefs also took part in the contest, as well as Professional bartenders who shook up tasty margarita’s with El Jefe Tequila.
As the sun said goodbye over the valley hills, the winners were announced:
People’s Choice Best Professional Chili
1. Santa Lucia Preserve
2. Carmel Valley Ranch
3. Los Laureles Lodge
People’s Choice Best Amateur Chili
1. Matthew Fritsch
2. Monterey County Weekly
3. Newman Coaching
People’s Choice Best Margarita
1. CVAC & Refuge
2. Carmel Valley Ranch
3. Santa Lucia Preserve
Best Decorated Table
1. Monterey County Weekly
2. Quail Lodge & Golf Club
3. Santa Lucia Preserve
And our expert “Foodie Judges” , Mary Schley Food & Wine writer for Carmel Pine Cone, Mike Hale co-host of Food Fodder on KRML radio show and Raul Nava co-host of Food Fodder on KRML radio conducted a blind tasting gave the Golden Ladle to:
Professional Golden Ladle
Carmel Valley Cooking & Catering
Professional Honorable Mention
Quail Lodge & Golf Club
Amateur Golden Ladle
Carmel Valley Roasting Company
Amateur Honorable Mention
The Carmel Pine Cone
Best Margarita
CVAC & Refuge
For information email info@carmelvalleychamber.com or call 831-659-4000.
