Saturday, July 9, 2011

Nampa Lions Idaho State Chili Contest Heats Up


Ten years ago, the Nampa Lions Club initiated the Idaho State Chili Cook Off. While many have competed, only a chosen few have won.

Nampa Lions’ Jonette Flores has chaired the contest since its inception and says there are a record number of entrants this year; over twenty teams. Since competition is open to the public, the degrees of aggression vary. Some are very serious; while others are simply there to support the Lions Club, advertise their business or raise awareness for their cause, and most importantly, to have fun.

The 2010 winners, David and Alicia Garcia of Garcia’s Tex-Mex Team, went on to represent Idaho at the World Championship in New Hampshire, winning the People’s Choice Award. They are each members of the International Chili Society. Reportedly the ones to watch, you might need a set of eyes in the back of your head since they’ll be competing on separate teams.

Dustin Mori of the Mona Lisa restaurant claimed 4th place last year. He’ll be skipping this season due to his busy schedule but is considering jumping back in for a 2012 upset. Dustin’s advice to newcomers: make good use of the misting booth, enjoy the mingling and tasting, and to ignore the intimidators that talk a large amount of smack.

Cory Mikhals cooked his specialty chili for friends and family for ages, and was encouraged to take it up a notch by competing. In seven years, his team has won People’s Choice six times, 2010 included. Traditionally, the people seem to like hotter chili than the judges. He’s planning to adjust the heat while still maintaining his chili’s integrity. His formula can’t be replicated, since he cooks purely by taste. Cory’s advice: Stay true to your recipe and don’t try to emulate anyone else’s. He also agrees with ignoring the intimidators.

Wheeler’s Handout’s Tom Mudd says he’s been building his chili recipe forever. Although it’s his first year at the Lions Club’s cook off, he’s no greenie; he won the Middleton Chili Cook Off in the spring. Attending the State Chili Cook Off as a sampler last year, he kept wondering why he wasn’t a contender and is currently remedying that issue. Famous Wheeler’s Handout chili will be fine-tuned by Tom himself. He warns newbies not to go too ‘exotic’ and believes that simplicity is key.

Nampa Police Chief Bill Augsburger’s team makes no excuses for their chili. Chief Augsburger’s advice to the ‘wannabes’: “Give up before you cook one ounce of hamburger for your at-best, average chili. We use prime beef chunks from Idaho, cut by a local butcher and gently cook it with our blend of spices and extras. If you still wish to try it, bring it on. Code 3 Lights and Sirens will crush you.”

Stirring up the simmering rivalry, lip-smacking smack-talk, and aroma of strategic cooking in the air, this year’s State Chili Cook Off is about to see a goodly amount of roughage.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where and when and time this happens??

Amy Larson said...

Location The Idaho Center
07/16/2011

Contact Information
Jonette Flores
208-412-6419

Fees/Admission
Cook Off Teams $50 entry fee for Chili $15 for Salsa
Tastings $2.00

Nampa Lions Club Idaho State Chili Cookoff
Date: July 16, 2011 Time: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
http://www.lionsclubs.org
The Idaho State Chili Cook Off is a sanctioned Cook off with teams from all around the globe

Wheeler's Handout said...

We had a wonderful time at the chili cook off this year, and want to thank all of our friends and customers for their support. Thank you Lions club for a wonderful event.
Wheeler's Handout
Tom Mudd

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