Chili-makers brought their best chili to compete in the annual Local Ingredient Chili Challenge at Water Street Market last Sunday (postponed a day because of high winds). Attendees bought tickets to sample 3.25-ounce portions of the chili made and donated by local home and pro chefs. All proceeds benefitted the non-denominational food pantry at St. Joseph’s Church. This year the event raised $3,065. In addition to raising funds for the food pantry, the chili challenge supports local food producers. Each chili contained at least five ingredients sourced or grown in the area.
The winners of this year’s chili challenge were: Best Professional, Jar’d Wine and the runner-up was Upstairs on 9; Best Home Chef, Ana Maria and Seth and the runner-up was the New Paltz Fire Department; Most Creative, Schatzi’s and the runner-up was The Mudd Puddle; Best Vegetarian, The Mudd Puddle and the runner-up was Bradley Farms; People’s Choice, Upstairs on 9 and the runner-up was a tie between the New Paltz Fire Department and Schatzi’s.
Editor’s note: Last week’s front page photo advertising the chili challenge contained the wrong information. The caption should have read: Pictured (top row left to right) — Phil Huff and Marcos Castros from Bridge Creek Catering, Aydan Tasciotti from The Parish and Ralph Scandariato from the New Paltz Fire Department. Bottom row left to right — James Walsh of the Mudd Puddle, Matt Sweeney from The Parish, Water Street Market Chili Challenge coordinator Theresa Fall also of Jar’d and The Parish and Todd Greger of Upstairs on Nine. Our apologies.