Over 300 gallons of classic and creative chili along with classic and creative mac ‘n cheese dishes were devoured by approximately 1,200 people who attended The Great Mac & Chili Challenge at Sherwood Island State Park on Sunday, Nov. 4th. The crowd arrived early with muffin tins in hand to hold their samples to ensure they got to sample and vote on everything at the event.
“The weather was perfect for this comfort food event which contributed to the good turnout,” said Jim Keenan, event director. “It’s always difficult to estimate how much each restaurant should make as you don’t want to make too much so the crowd was smart to come early as some restaurants tend to run out before the end of the event. Thankfully everyone was full and happy when they left”.
The 2018 champions include Hub & Spoke in Bridgeport won for the third year in a row for their classic 3 bean beef chili beating out newcomer Clubhouse Grille in Norwalk, Dinosaur BBQ in Stamford, Fleisher’s Craft Butchery in Westport and Senor Salsa in Westport
Old Post Tavern won the creative chili category with a “meat lovers chili” besting Cask Republic of Stamford, Geronimo Tequila Bar in Fairfield and Simply Delicious Catering, last years champion.
Burger Bar & Bistro in Norwalk won the classic mac ‘n cheese category for the second consecutive year beating runner-up Tacos Mexico in Norwalk and their “Queso Mac”
The event raised additional funds to be added to those raised at Chowdafest to be donated to Food Rescue US in the ongoing fight against hunger. The combined events should fund over a half million rescued meals for the food insecure.
For additional information about The Great Mac & Chili Challenge, please visit: www.MacAndChiliChallenge.com or contact Jim Keenan at chowdafest@gmail.com
The Great Mac & Chili Challenge, is sponsored by: Cabot Creamery who proudly supplied the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream to the chili contestants, WEBE 108 and City Carting & Recycling.