TUESDAY - August 7, 2007

Windy City Regional - by Mike Usiak

The Windy City Regional was held on Sat. Aug 4th under near perfect conditions. That is very unusual this time of year in Chicago. Low clouds and a light breeze kept temps in the low 80's all day which helped bring the festival attendance over the 15,000 level that day. Twenty cooks handed out about 2000 samples of Verde and red chili to an energetic crowd that helped raise over $500 for our local food pantry. The Midwest was well represented by cooks from Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio competing against the local Chicago cooks. But in the end the local cooks prevailed.

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The Food Pantry of St. Teresa of Avila would like to thank Chicago Cutlery and Ray's Chili for providing the prize money for the champions. Each cook also walked away with a new knife courtesy of Chicago Cutlery. Glazed Expressions of Chicago once again provide our unique hand glazed, kiln fired trophies. We were fortunate to have Wes and Ginny Carlson back as our Chief Judge and Scorekeeper this year to help keep things running smoothly from start to finish. As always Nancy Usiak was an enormous help in all areas coordinating the judges, the charity volunteers, and the cooks. That's akin to herding cats for anyone that doesn't know. I hope to see more cooks from across the country come into Chicago next year as we continue to grow this event.

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Salsa

Maureen Barrett - Brookfield IL

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Verde

3rd - Bill Donovan - Cincinnati OH

2nd - Mike Goodman - Waukesha WI

1st - Gloria Stevens - Homer Glen IL

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Red

3rd - Maureen Barrett - Brookfield IL

2nd - Gail Donovan - Cincinnati OH

1st - Tim Flynn - Chicago IL

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Thistledown Regional

The 7th Annual Thistledown Regional chili cook-off is set for Saturday, August 25. 1,700 in prize money will be given out in Salsa, Verde, and Red Chili !!!! The host hotel is the Courtyard by Marriott in Independence, Ohio and it is about 10 minutes from Thistledown racetrack which is in North Randall, Ohio. It is 15 minutes southeast of downtown Cleveland. The general manager Brent Reitz has done a great job with hosting this cook-off the last 6 years, so please come and support this fine cook-off. Brent has a limited number of hotel room's set and he will take care of the Fri. night cost if you also stay sat. The rate is 99.00 plus tax. You must e-mail Brent at Brent.Reitz@thistledown.com to get the free room. You can also call him at 216-662-8600. Bob Hall will be the chief judge again. Cook's party at the hotel and dinner at the winking lizard at 730.I have lot's of miller lite from the Marblehead cook-off that I would like to have some help drinking. If you would like a cook-off flyer send me an e-mail at bigboppers@cros.net and I will send you one back. Thank you and I hope to see you all at the cook-off.

Ken Kostal

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WESTERN REGIONAL COOKOFF-

Saturday August 11-Del Mar Race Track---Claude Covington

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I am writing this Tuesday evening and as I am sure its too late for the mail.

Here are instructions on how to gain access to this weekends cookoff if you haven't already responded.

You may enter to set up between 6:30 am & 10:30 am.

Directions: Exit I-5 at Via de La Valle and go west. Take first left on Jimmy Durante Blvd. Go 1/2 mile and enter main parking lot. Proceed to parking area at the west end of the grandstand.

Enter through the west entrance (employ gate, turn left through the tunnel. We will be located in the middle of the infield. Find me and I will give you a parking pass which you can place on your dash or w/shield.

Hope to see you Saturday at the races!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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