Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off brought diverse cooks to the table

Story and photos by MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

The Longfellow Community Council (LCC) held its fifth annual chili cook-off fundraiser on Nov. 13. About 75 people attended the event, hosted by Gandhi Mahal Restaurant (photo right), 3009 27th Ave. S.

Each of the 11 chili cook-off contestants provided five quarts of their original chili. The recipes spanned the gamut of creative cooking: from Hillbilly Chilly (made with bacon, hamburger, hot dogs and corn) to Cari’s Conscience Chili (strictly vegetarian with a gentle punch of onion and garlic).

A middle-of-the-road candidate won in the end: a robust turkey chili liberally spiced and created by Kevin Venerus.

Photo left: The winner of this year’s 2016 Chili Cook-off was LCC board member Kevin Venerus, pictured with son Elliot.

According to LCC executive director Melanie Majors, “The cook-off was successful in every way. Events like this fulfill all of our strategic goals at one time. We get to create and experience community engagement, partner with local businesses, do our fundraising and have fun together.”

Photo right: Alex Howie (pictured left) and friend ladled up their Hillbilly Chilly.

“The past ten years have brought tremendous growth to this neighborhood,” Majors said. “Housing development is surging, schools are reopening, new businesses are starting up here, and old businesses are expanding. Longfellow has turned into an innovative place to work and live.

Photo left: LCC executive director Melanie Majors said, “Events like the chili cook-off provide us with great outreach opportunities. We get to welcome long-standing supporters, new residents, and even a few people from outside the neighborhood.”

LCC has been active as a non-profit organization since 1991. Before that, Longfellow residents were organizing to create a stronger community for almost 20 years under federal community development block grants.

Photo right: Cari Johnson is the creator of Cari's Conscience Chili, strictly vegetarian with a gentle punch of onion and garlic.

Majors concluded by saying, “I feel like we’ve got a really good grasp on ‘institutionalizing’ our annual events by now. People know this fundraiser happens every fall, and they look forward to it. Thanks to everybody who turned out, and to all the individuals and businesses who made it possible.”

The community space at Gandhi Mahal was once again donated to LCC for the evening. The Riverview Theater, Dock 6 Pottery, and LCC provided items for auction.

All monies raised from the fundraiser will go to support LCC initiatives.