TUESDAY - Aug 11, 2009

ARROYO GRANDE DISTRICT

Arroyo Grande is a long way from the home of the Chief Judge, Scorekeeper, and most of the chili cooks still trying to get to the World cookoff. Somehow, we all managed to get there. And what time we all had!! The weather was perfect, cool in the morning, a light wind in the afternoon, and some sun. Don't forget, this is wine country, so the moist air is needed for the wines produced here. They had booths for wine tasting, strawberries dipped in chocolate, tri -tip sandwiches and hot dogs to satisify the crowd. And what a crowd came out!!!

Tonhia Fields, the chairperson, and her sister Jolinda, were at the park to set up everything for the judging area. Tohnia also had helpers put together 750 chili tasting kits, and they ran out of them!!!!! This is their FIRST cookoff!!!! The consensus of the cooks was evident. They had been treated with the utmost courtesy, and the people who came out to support this cookoff were some of, if not the best, to happen to a cookoff.

Barry and S ylvia Steinberg, the chief judge and my assistant scorekeeper, checked into the motel on Saturday. What did they find? Well, just a bottle of wine for him, and one for me and 2 glasses each. What a surprise!! Then we open up the envelope attached to the wine bottle and find gift certificates to JOCKOS!!!!! We were not only surprised but mostly floored!! We enjoyed our meal, and I have at least 2 lunches from the leftovers!

Needless to say Tohnia Fields listened to all that was said to make a sucess out of the cookoff, and it was. I have been at cookoffs for over 20 years, and haven't seen a first time cookoff run as smoothly as this!!! PLEASE keep this district on your calendar for next year. We had 13 red cooks, so only 7 more!!!!!

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The winners:    ONLY VERDE & RED

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VERDE:

3rd: Darril Shiflet  14 points

2nd: Mike Ford    20 points

1st: Svlvia Rasey 24 points

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 RED:
5th: John Stevens  Tanner Jacks Restaurant

4th:  Howard Choate

3rd:  Patti Shiflet- Chairperson for the Lompoc Cookoff

2nd: Jim Rasey

1st:  Bill Ray  (2^nd Dist Win Q'd)

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Thanks to Ken and Jan Brown for coming up from Simi Valley to judge and to Pepper

Davis from the radio station to announce the winners, and to all who had any part in making this a success! From the comments I heard for the cooks, judges, and most importantly, the spectators, they will be here next year. Let's make it qualify for REGIONAL status!!!

Thanks to Barry and Sylvia for this weekend!!!!!

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MaryEllen

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Back to Back Regionals

in Winter Park, Colorado

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Saturday, August 22nd - Rocky Mountain Regional

Sunday, August 23rd - Colorado State

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WE NEED COOKS!!!!

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We have great judges lined up, but need more cooks, or, for the cooks that plan on coming, please register online so we can get a better count on how many cooks and which categories you plan on competing in.  SIX chances for the World's are up for grabs.  

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For out of state cooks, flights can still be booked into Denver at greatly reduced rates.  Saturday, besides traditional red, chili verde, and salsa, there will once again be a "Guac-off" Guacamole division.  A trophy will be given to the first place winner.

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The cookoffs are at the base of the Winter Park Ski Resort, and it's one of the most awesome spots to cook at in the country (at 9000 ft).  Rooms are available in Winter Park, with a 20% chilihead discount given when you call Winter Park Central Reservations @1-800-977-6198.  Make sure you ask for the "20% off Winter Park Resort Lodging Properties discount."

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Cash and trophies will be awarded to 1st through 3rd places in each division, each day.   

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For more information, please contact:  

Patty McCarthy - Chairman

 303-316-1689

 PMcCarthy@skiwinterpark.com

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 OR

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 Bob Plager - Chief Judge

 720-244-0990

 Bob98Champ@aol.com

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GREAT LAKES REGIONAL

It's the 14th annual GREAT LAKES REGIONAL

Chili Cook-off in Plymouth, Michigan !

This year's chili contest is on Sunday October 4th from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.  For anyone coming in from the West to the WCCC in West Virginia, this is the stop one week before to win for the 2010 WCCC!!  Red Chili Prizes include: 1st Place $1000 + trophy, 2nd Place $250 + trophy, 3rd Place $100 + trophy, Chili Verde 1st Place $300 + trophy, Salsa 1st Place $200 + trophy, Top three Peoples Choice Winners $100, $75, $50, Best Booth wins $100 + trophy.  Any Cook who hands out at least 125 samples of their chili will have their $40 entry fee refunded at the event! 

A Restaurant Chili Challenge, Motorcycle Bike Show, Live Band, Dance Performances, Kids Activities all round out this fantastic charitable event! 

Sign-up at www.greatlakeschili.com

Chief Judge is Ken Horn  -  Chief Scorekeeper is Ma tt Wilhite

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HUNTINGTON BEACH ELKS LODGE REGIONAL COOKOFF

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Saturday,  Aug 22, 2009

CHILI COOKOFF AND CLASSIC CAR SHOW

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Just a reminder,  the Huntingto Beach Elks Lodge cookoff is Saturday, August 22.    First place for Red Chili is $500 and People's Choice $100!    Chili Verde and Salsa prizes are a percentage of the entry fees.    This is one of the last regionals in Calif. To qualify for the Worlds !

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This cookoff is in conjunction with a large classic car show, which should draw a lot of public to taste chili!  If you have already qualified, please come and help judge.  This is a great venue put on by the Elks Lodge and they appreciate your support.

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COOKS, PLEASE register thru the ICS website as soon as possible so we visibility of participation.   For additional information,  please contact the cookoff chairman,  Ron Courreges  714-847-8348,    chevronon@aol.com

Thanks,  Allene Macklin

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