The scene was electric -- and so were the crockpots! From fiery to savory, from a cheesy white bean chili to a classic red chili con carne, there was an option for everybody to enjoy. This year’s Chili Cook Off was the place to be on Thursday night, as nearly a hundred people filtered in and out to taste and vote for their favorite chili.
This year’s cook-off menu featured about 20 different chilis contributed by both students and staff. For five dollars, guests were allowed all-you-can-eat chili, and those who wanted were able to vote for their favorite. The chili chefs competed for medals in four different categories. The People’s Choice category was made up by the popular opinion held by the guests, while the other three categories -- Best Vegetarian, Best Meat, and Judge’s Choice --were determined by Chef Maria Mazon from BOCA Tacos.
City High School seniors Vincent Miguel and Jessica Mondragon both took home prizes this year. Vincent took home the People’s Choice Award for his “Hunks of Burning Love” Chili, which he made using meat that he smoked himself. Jessica took home the Best Vegetarian Chili, which she won by using her grandmother’s white bean chili recipe. Jessica Melrose, who we can thank for coordinating this event, won the Judge’s Choice with her deliciously daring Thai Curry Chili. Defending champions Brett Goble and Tom Moore tied for best meat chili. Tom cooked up a roasted hatch chili with ground turkey and Brett countered with a classic red chili con carne.
Our very own Jessica Melrose helped provide entertainment by bringing her salsa group, The Tucson Casineros, to perform and give some brief dance lessons to all who were tempted to join in, as well as setting up an arts and craft station in the back of 37. According to Principal Brett Goble, this event raised around $300 and all proceeds will be going towards the City High School Prom. If you didn’t catch this year’s Cook Off, chil-i out and stay tuned for next year.
Ruby Lenertz