SOUPer Bowl - What's Cookin' at Maple Grove

Chili, it seems, is the great equalizer. It’s a good-time stew; brewing the perfect batch of chili requires no special training, no special ingredient –just a little people-pleasing magic. And so, on January 31, twenty-six local magicians (from all disciplines –chefs, accountants –even one young person) gathered together to share the best they could concoct at the Second Annual Clintonville Chili Bowl. There were twenty-seven different versions of Chili (one participant brought two batches). The ingredients included scallops, chicken, beef, brisket, black beans, corn, green chiles, avocado, and exotic seasonings imported from New Mexico.

There wasn’t a bad batch in the house. The Chili cooks vied for the title of Champion Chef. In a highly unscientific (but as objective as possible) taste test, three guest pastors rated the chili competitors. Chili Bowl guests (over 150) also cast their vote for favorites.

In the end? Everyone was a winner --including the Clintonville Community Resources Center, which garnered over $600 from the Chili Bowl’s fundraising efforts. As far as “official” winners, the judges picked Weiland’s for its Seafood Chili and the voting public gave its nod to Jim Davoli’s big colorful concoction.

Congrats to all for throwing a great party for the community!