How do you serve more than 750 eager diners a sampling of 27 different chilis all in a single night’s work? You simply join the fun of the 5th Annual Downtown Chili Tour sponsored by St. Joseph Today and Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ last Friday night.
It all happened on Friday, January 27, when more than 20 downtown businesses competed for the Chili Pepper Award during the Chili Tour. According to the Welcome Center visitor log, more than 750 visitors participated in this year’s festivities and enjoyed a wide array of chili, sweets, and more.
Two awards were up for grabs this year. They included the Chili Pepper Award determined by a panel of judges and the People’s Choice determined by popular vote.
This year’s Chili Pepper Award went to Greenbush Brewing Co. for the “Greenbush Pork Verde Chili” featured at FuzzyButz. The SJHS Fantastic Four team (winner of the 2016 LMC Chili Cook-Off”) was selected as runner up for the “SJHS Cook-Off Chili” featured at Caffé Tosi.
Coach’s Bar & Grill once again won the People’s Choice Award for the “Brisket Chili and Vegetarian Chili” served at Wanderlust Outfitters. Lazy Ballerina Winery received runner up honors for their “Lazy Chili”.
For the third year in a row, the event also featured a charitable give back through a $2-$5 suggested participation donation. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Soup Kitchen in Benton Harbor.
St. Joseph Today, a membership-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to developing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph and surrounding communities. For more information about upcoming events, visit stjoetoday.com or facebook.com/stjoetoday.
In the photo accompanying this story at Moody on the Market.com, the Greenbush team is shown with their championship chili at FuzzyButz Pet Bakery on State Street in downtown St. Joseph, as provided by St. Joseph Today.
