SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — From dicing and seasoning to stirring and serving, several teams will put their cooking skills to the ultimate test to support a good local cause.
Walk for Women will host its annual South Padre Island Chili Expo (SPICE) cook off Saturday, Feb. 8, on the Island at Louie’s Backyard.
For a $10 admission fee, attendees will be able to taste close to 30 batches of chili.
This year’s chili categories include Texas Red, Green or White, Freestyle, Vegetarian and People’s Choice.
Chili tasting starts at noon and will continue until chili runs out.
There will be a performance by Leslie Blasing from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Awards will be given from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
Profits from the event will go toward Walk for Women’s goal of providing financial assistance to women in the Valley battling breast cancer.
According to organizers, last year’s SPICE cook off had a good turnout in spite of the weather.
Organizers said 400 people attended the event, 17 teams participated and there were 31 chili entries.
“Without the support and participation of all who cooked, attended and volunteered, we could not pull this event off,” nonprofit members stated on their website. “Thank you for your support of our mission to help women in the RGV who are fighting breast cancer.”
2019 SPICE WINNERS
RED
FIRST PLACE — Conquistadores, Head Chef Ross Bland
SECOND PLACE — The Chili Killers, Head Chef JJ Elliff
THIRD PLACE — Conquistadores, Head Chef Ross Bland
GREEN/WHITE
FIRST PLACE — The Chili Killers, Head Chef JJ Elliff
SECOND PLACE — We Love Chili, Head Chef Terri Wood
THIRD PLACE — Frankie Flav’z, Head Chef Frank Macias
FREESTYLE
FIRST PLACE — The Chili Killers, Head Chef JJ Elliff
SECOND PLACE — Valley Trucking/Team Big Nasty, Head Chef Jesse Ruiz
THIRD PLACE — Friends of Animal Rescue/Animal House Chili, Head Chef Paige Kowalski
BEANS
FIRST PLACE — Valley Trucking/Team Big Nasty, Head Chef Jesse Ruiz
SECOND PLACE — Rudy’s BBQ/Los Gatos Loco, Head Chef Carlos Torres
THIRD PLACE — The Chili Killers, Head Chef JJ Elliff
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
SpawGlass, Head Chef Chris Pennington
IF YOU GO
WHAT — South Padre Island Chili Expo (SPICE)
WHEN — Saturday, Feb. 8
COOKS — Setup starts at 7 a.m. and chili must be turned in by 11:45 a.m.
CHILI TASTING — Noon
ENTERTAINMENT — 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
AWARDS — 1:30 to 2 p.m.
WHERE — Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Blvd.
ADMISSION — $10
