Do you have a favorite chili or salsa recipe? A local chili spice mix business, Man’s Man Chili, LLC is hosting a professionally sanctioned 2-day chili cook-off that is inviting cooks from around the country to compete for the best chili and salsa recipes. All proceeds will benefit the Carmelite Home and the cook-off will be held indoors on Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th at the I.U.O.E Local 150 Hall located at 2193 W. 84 Pl., Merrillville, IN.
This cook-off is sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS) and the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). Both organizations host sanctioned events across the country with each holding their own annual National Championship. CASI is the world's largest organization of chili and contest enthusiasts and sanctions nearly 400 contests judging more than 15,000 cups of chili across the U.S. annually. The ICS has raised and donated close to $100 million to charities.
This event is managed by regional ICS representatives, Darin and Tonya Jester, who have been competitive cooks for more than 20 years. Tonya is the 2022 ICS World Champion for Home-style Chili. “We are excited to host this inaugural event here in northwest Indiana where the winner could qualify for a spot in the World Chili Cook-off Championship held in Myrtle Beach,” stated David Uran, President/CEO of the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority. “Events like this bring people together from near and far to enjoy good food and friendly competition for a great cause."
Man’s Man Chili hopes to bring in cooks from across the nation by offering great awards. First place winner for chili will receive custom silver belt buckles made by Montana Silversmiths, and first place winner for salsa will receive a beautiful 7” chop knife made by Dalstrong.
The event will be open to the public at noon and attendees can make a $5 donation to sample all the chili and salsa (while supplies last). The cook with the most votes will receive the People’s Choice Award. Local musicians will also be playing acoustic sessions each day from noon until 2 pm.
There are four categories of chili to compete in: CASI Red and ICS Red, Homestyle and Verde. All are welcome to attend and participate! For more information or to become a sponsor, visit mansmanchili.com.
St. Joseph’s Carmelite Home in East Chicago, IN is a not-for-profit organization that serves children and families going through difficult times. Learn more at carmelitehome.org.
