SATURDAY - September 22, 2007

CHILI OLE REGIONAL

phoned in by Chief Judge L'il Robbie

SALSA

1st Paul Cordova

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CHILI VERDE

1st George Lott

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ICS RED

1st Steve Tomasek IV

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Full report on Monday

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MENTONE REGIONAL

All week the weathercasters were predicting torrential rains for Friday and into Saturday. This did not bode well for the Mentone Regional Cookoff on Saturday. By early Saturday morning there had been no rain in the Riverside/San Bernardino area, although very heavy rains had been reported west and south of us. We arrived at the cookoff venue about 8:00 a.m. to find a light rain falling---Mentone Mist, someone called it. As the day progressed and the cooks arrived, the rain came and went, sometimes light, sometimes heavier. There was little or no public. But by noon we could see blue skies in places and the temperatures improved. And the public began arriving. The band, "Yardog", which had been rained out earlier, was able to complete its setup and begin playing.

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This cookoff offers over $2,000 in prize money for several categories---$1,000 for first place red chili! The cooks did not disappoint, and there were enough contestants in all three categories to advance to the World's Championship two weeks from now. A mixture of locals, first-timers and seasoned ICS competitors presented their concoctions to the judges, hoping to be the winner. Among the red chili competitors were several former World's Champions:

Bob Dyer, 2003 Chili Verde World's Champion

Barry Steinberg, 2001 Salsa World's Champion

Norm Gaul, 1995 Red Chili World's Champion

Cathy Wilkey, 1993 Red Chili World's Champion

Kathy Stewart, 2002 Chili Verde World's Champion (supporting her husband, Mike Stewart)

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On the judging panel were:

Bill Ray, 1994 Red Chili World's Champion

Karen Ray, 2001 Chili Verde World's Champion

Bonnie Ford, 1998 Salsa World's Champion

Ormly Gumfudgin, ICS Historian

And numerous already-World's-qualified competitors, hoping to be the 2007 World's Champions

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This was a tough neighborhood, folks! The judging was managed well by Chief Judge, Mike Austin, assisted by Bill Ray and Dennis Macklin. Chief Scorekeeper, Karen Ray, was assisted by Mary Ellen Weber and Allene Macklin.

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After the weather cleared, the Miss Chili Pepper, Mr. Hot Sauce and Shoot-n-Holler contests were emceed by the World's Championship Master of Ceremonies, Claude Covington, and were enjoyed by all. The trophies at this cookoff are spectacular. They are provided by Mill Creek Studios, and each one is a unique collector's item. And the lucky winners were:

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Best Booth: Gene Wheat, Wild Wheat's Chili

Best Costume: Tony Angotti, Uncle Tony's Wop-Sided Chili

Showmanship: Mark Peterson, Loma Linda Plumbing

People's Choice Chili: Mark Peterson, Loma Linda Plumbing

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Salsa (11 entries):

3rd, Nibs Waters

2nd, Linda Beresford

1st, Charlie Blosfield

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Chili Verde (7 entries):

3rd, Rick McDaniel

2nd, Mark Peterson

1st, Charlie Blosfield (this gives Charlie a Hat Trick for 2007)

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Traditional Red Chili (20 entries)

4th, Norm Gaul tied with

4th, Mike Stewart (10 points each)

3rd, Red Brecke (12 points)

2nd, Barry Steinberg (14 points)

1st, Cathy Wilkey (17 points)

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See you in Omaha.

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THURSDAY - September 20, 2007

SOUTH FLORIDA 2008

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BACK-TO-BACK COOKOFFS

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Hi everybody,

I have already received several inquiries about the back-to-back cookoffs next year. The short answer is that there will be back-to-back cookoffs in South Florida next February.

They will be held the weekend after the Super Bowl – February 9^th and 10^th. The location of the Saturday cookoff is currently in question.

Here is the situation. The Village of Pinecrest, concerned about the modest property tax cut passed in Tallahassee during the last session of the Florida Legislature, has cut the Pinecrest Gardens park budget - to include zeroing out the funds for the "Chili in the Village" cookoff.

In the context of "one man's loss is another's gain", there are (to date) two candidate alternatives to Pinecrest Gardens, with one of them guaranteed. I will expand on the alternatives.

The Village of Key Biscayne (an island six miles across the Rickenbacker Causeway from downtown Miami) is currently seriously exploring hosting the event; this is happening at the level of the Mayor and the Village Council. Additionally, there are several local not-for-profit organizations very interested and prepared to support the event with people and some financing.

Should the Key Biscayne event fail to materialize for whatever reason, there is another alternative that is guaranteed. A second cookoff in Key Largo.

When I spoke with the Rotaries who sponsor the "Chili in the Keys' on Sunday, I explained the situation. Their response was that, if things did not work out "up north", they would love to also put on the Saturday cookoff.

More specifically, their response went something like this. "We already have a two day event; all the tents, fencing, etc. are set up by Friday; adding a second cookoff to Saturday's festivities is an absolute 'no brainer'".

The first choice is to keep the current format of two distinct locations…and, trust me, cooks will find the Village Green here in Key Biscayne an "appropriate and worthy" setting; therefore we will keep pursuing that option. However, should that prove to not be feasible this year, there are "worse fates in life" than a couple of cookoffs, in the lovely Florida Keys, in February.

In 2007, we had 28 Red cooks; looking forward to many more in 2008.

Sergei Kowalchik

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TUESDAY - September 18, 2007

CHILI OLE'

AND

SOUTHERN COLORADO B2B REGIONALS

PLEASE REGISTER ON-LINE ON THE ICS WEBSITE OR CALL GEORGE LOTT @ 719-544-4423 FOR THESE COOKOFFS, IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING. WE NEED TO GET A HEAD COUNT FOR SPACE NEEDED, AND GOODY BAGS THAT WILL BE PASSED OUT. BOB PLAGER - CHIEF JUDGE

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SIX Winners Qualify for the ICS Worlds Championships

It's getting to be crunch time. September 22nd and 23rd ,Pueblo and the Pueblo Convention Center will be hosting a two day qualifier to get six of our great cooks ready for Omaha in October. The southern Colorado Regional was the site of the first World Green Championship, long before green chili was recognized by the ICS. In fact our cookoff back then was almost exclusively Green Chili (Chili Verde to the ICS) and the Red Chili portion was actually Chili Concarne, not ICS no beans allowed chili. We have decided to hold these cookoffs in conjunction with the Pueblo Chili and Frijole Festival. Pueblo has some of the greatest green chilis available anywhere, and during this weekend, all the farmers from the area roast and sell their chilis at the historic Union Avenue District. They also have fresh vegetables for sale, ethnic food stands, hundreds of various vendors, and Entertainment Tents with music and libations that continue late into the evening.The Festival is but a block away from the Convention Center.

Also, in conjunction with our cookoffs, the Convention Center hosts a wonderful art show and sale, with many local and nationally renown artists displaying their artwork.This complete event usually draws over 30,000 people per day, so have plenty of People's Choice available.

The cookoff schedule for both days is:

7:30 set-up and sign in,

9:00 cook's meeting,

10:00 Green begins,

11:00 Red begins,

12:00 Salsa turn in,

1:00 Green turn in,

2:00 Red turn in ,

and 3:30 awards (approximately)

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Each day the prizes will be:

Red

$200 first,

$100 second

and $50 third,

same for the Green Chili,

Salsa

$100 first

and People's Choice $100.

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The location is easy to get to. Take I-25 north or south to exit 98B. Go west two stoplights to South Main, go left at the light-Convention Center is on the left. We will have some parking reserved for the cooks after unloading. Looking forward to seeing everyone and all will have a grand time.

George Lott, 719-544-4423, glott@wilcoxsonauto.com

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MONDAY - September 17, 2007

Connecticut State Results

The Connecticut State Chili Cookoff has just completed its 15^th year with a very capable Sharon Willard at the helm. She does everything from signing in the cooks to setting up tables in the beer garden. On top of all that, she has a wonderful group of volunteers from the Community Action Agency of New Haven that lend a hand from morning till evening. The cooks love to come to this cookoff to support the charities of the Community Action Agency and the spectators come out rain or shine. This year it was both. First the rain (and 60 degree weather) then the sun came out in typical Autumn in New England fashion. We could have done without the wind, but only one tent was lifted, and that was even after the cookoff. This was the last qualifier for the World Championships in the Northeast, so the competition was fierce. We also have a category call the "Omaha Cup" that allows the cooks who are already qualified to cook a practice pot and be judged separately. It was in all, a wonderful day and a great end to the 2007 cookoff season in the Northeast. The 2008 season starts on October 13 with the Hudson Valley Regional Cookoff at Woodstock Harley-Davidson in Kingston, NY.

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Winners list:

People's Choice: Paula Cunningham and Paesano's Chili from CT

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Salsa:

3^rd – Rich Omerza, PA

2^nd – Rich LaFrance, MA

1^st – Chris Bucifero, CT (last year's winner in this category)

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Chili Verde:

3^rd – Rich LaFrance, MA

2^nd – Mario Saccoccio, CT

1^st – Rhone Carr, NJ

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Red Chili:

5^th – Mike Kropp, NH

4^th – Scott Navaroli, MA

3^rd – Jim Miller, PA

2^nd – Dave Schulman, CT

1^st – Jerry Buma, MA

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Omaha Cup: Mike Freedman, CT

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Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to all the cooks.

We will see you in Omaha!

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MISSOURI STATE

-HURRY, JUST 11 DAYS AWAY

We are quickly approaching 50 COOKS!!! Register today, and you may be on your way to the International Chili Society's World Championship in Omaha, Nebraska, October 5^th-7^th, to vie for $25,000!!! Don't be left out!

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"Power To The Pepper" is this years theme for the National Kidney Foundation's 32^nd Annual Chili Cook-off and Salsa Competition at Westport Plaza, in Maryland Heights(St. Louis) Missouri. Great Food and Great Music will highlight a fabulous Saturday. Registration is open thru September 21, 2007, however you may register, for an additonal fee, all the way up until Saturday, the 29^th.

For details, please call 314.961.2828 or email cmiller@nkfstl.com

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Michael Goldstein-Event Chair

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"Chiliblast 2007"

Florida Championship

Hotel Information

The Clearwater Central Hampton Inn located at 21030 US Hwy 19N has a rate of $79.00 for the contestants You can book your reservation at www.hamptoninnclearwatercentral.com and put in the group code of CHI or call (727) 797-8173 and mention that you are with the Chiliblast 2007 group to get this rate. This rate and availability are not guaranteed after October 19, 2007. This rate is good for November 9th, 10th and 11th. Thanks and we are looking forward to seeing you on November 10th.

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Grace Walter

On Monday, September 17, Grace Walter, mother of cook Les Walter, grandmother of cook Kim Eckley passed away at 89 years young. Some cooks may remember a spry and onery Grace attending cookoffs and handing out people's choice. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

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Les Walter

245 Hammonds Lane

Baltimore, MD 21225

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Kim Eckley

1400 Willow Oak Drive

Frederick, MD 21701

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Thanks!

Ghon Eckley

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SUNDAY - September 16, 2007

ALL CHILI COOKS & FRIENDS

3^rd World's in Omaha Chili Cooks Get Together

Thursday, October 4^th, 2007 5:30 PM to 8:30

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Feel free to drop in any time that evening to socialize, enjoy a beverage, share stories, renew friendships, and great pizza

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Johnny Sortino's Pizza

Serving Omaha Families for over 40 Years

Pizza – Pasta - Salads

7880 "L" Street

402- 339-5050

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Pizza & Beverages can be purchased at the counter, please eat there because they are not charging us for the space. Pizza and beer very reasonably priced! Very informal atmosphere.

Space limited to first 150; RSVP with your name and the total number in your party by Sept 21, to:

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snbchili@aol.com

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Tip of the chili pot lid to Greg and Lynn Virant for again making the arrangements for this informal gathering three years in a row!

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SHOW TIME at ICS WORLDS

Per Bill "Gumby" Donovan

LET'S KICK IT UP AND GET THE PARTY STARTED!!!!

The YMCA dance will again be back at ICS Worlds.

It's time to start your YMCA dance practice,

remember to bring an appropriate costume if you can.

This Year lets vote on the best Costume.

We would like to have OVER 50 dancers this year,

If you need help with the dance,

contact: Bill Donovan at Bdonocode3chili@aol.com

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Tony Dalbis

HI, TO ALL MY FRIENDS.

WELL IM HOME AGAIN FROM THE HOSPITAL HOPE TO STAY HOME THIS TIME, 14 DAYS IS A LOT, I CAME HOME TWICE ONLY TO GO BACK THE NEXT DAY. THERE WAS A LOT OF COMPLICATIONS WITH THE COLON SURGERY.

WITH ALL THE PRAYERS EVERYTHING HAS REVERSED AND LOOKS BETTER. THE COLOSTOMY WILL TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO BUT I WILL MANAGE THEY THINK A YEAR AT LEAST. MY STRENGTH IS VERY VERY LOW I HAVE LOST ABOUT 35 LBS. BUT IN TIME WILL GET STRONGER.

THE DR. SAYS THE CANCER IS PROBABLY IN MY BLOOD AND AT THIS TIME IT'S TO EARLY TO TELL TO WHAT EXTENT I WILL SEE AN ONCOLOGY DOCTOR THIS WEEK.

AGAIN I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR PRAYERS, CARDS AND KIND THOUGHTS. IT WAS ALL SO UP LIFTING TO BOTH LOIS AND ME.. THANK YOU AGAIN AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

TONY

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Meat : TRI-TIP IS IN OMAHA

Attention cooks ,

I have fielded some emails regarding Tri-tip availability Our good friends at a local butcher shop do ,

Frank Stoyisch Meats

5170 " Q " st.

Omaha , Ne. 68117

Phone 402-731-0776 FAX 402-733-9275

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They do not have an email address . Place your order by fax or phone and tell them you are cooking at the World championship. Ask fro young Frank , though any one can help you.

Located about 9-10 miles from the cook-off site , they can be reached from I-80 west to 60 th st. , south to Q st. east to 51st.

Or by 480 south to the Kennedy Freeway ( HYW 75 ) exit at Q st. west to 51st.

Many local cooks have them as their supplier and they will custom cut your order.

Thanks,

Bill and Sue Dudzik

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