Historic Richmond Town is getting ready to turn up the heat for its 2nd Annual New York City Chili Cookoff on Saturday, April 16th, from 11 AM to 4 PM (rain or shine). This festival is seriously hot stuff! Thousands of chiliheads from all over the region will be getting their burn on at this International Chili Society event. It's the only ICS-sanctioned chili cookoff in the New York Metro area, and it's guaranteed to taste great!
The Spice is Right
The spice is just right for Staten Island's Rob Burmeister, Executive Chef at Harvest Café. The former contestant on Food Network's show "Chopped" was a big, first-time winner last year. He snatched the trophy from chili cooks who traveled from as far away as Illinois to compete. Rob will be back this year to defend his winning title. He plans to tweak his recipe a bit and maybe throw in a couple of surprises.
Steve Falkowski, the 1997 ICS World Championship winner, returns this year to lead the team of chili-loving judges as Chief Judge. Bob Coghlan, Chairman of Staten Island's 350th Anniversary Committee and Treasurer of Historic Richmond town, will be the Deputy Chief Judge. Mr. Coghlan is a former regional winner who competed in the World Championship in Las Vegas.
Bob has been to a number of cookoffs and says this one is very different: "At this fest you're not stuck in a parking lot or auditorium. You're outside on historic grounds where the whole family can enjoy the day. There are children's rides, demonstrations, and plenty of chili - all for a low price. There's a little something for everyone."
Eat...
It's a good thing to be outside when there's all that salsa to sample, especially when you can also compete in the Planet Wings' chicken wing eating contest. Who can eat the most wings in two minutes? The truly brave can coat their palette with a mug of cold beer from R. Ippolito Distributing and then join the "suicide" wings competition - as always, ambulances will be standing by.
...or Compete
The cookoff is judged in 5 categories: Best red chili, best green chili, best salsa, People's Choice, and favorite firehouse chili. Judges are looking for that perfect blend of meat and spice. No prior experience is necessary. Each year, across the country, first-timers win and advance to the finals. Win the first prize in red chili and you'll find a check for $1,000 tucked into your apron.
It doesn't matter if you are a professional or a home cook. If you think you have the winning recipe, sign up by calling 718-351-1611, ext. 236, or visit www.historicrichmondtown.org.
Red and Green Alert
Ed Wiseman, Historic Richmond Town's Executive Director, is putting everyone on alert. "This year the cookoff promises to be even hotter and more popular than last year. Look for bigger cash prizes with more competitors and guests. Just to be safe, we have ordered a large supply of complimentary antacids to be on hand at our snack wagon."
In addition to tasting chili, the New York City Chili Cookoff features live entertainment, rides for the kids, and a classic car show.
Gates open to the public at 11 am. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for kids 17 and under. Admission fee entitles guests to taste chili all day and cast a vote for their favorite flavor. Winners will be announced at 4 pm.
Historic Richmond Town
The Staten Island Historical Society operates Historic Richmond Town, New York City's historic village and museum complex. Historic Richmond Town is comprised of more than 25 homes and public buildings, including the Voorlezer's House, a National Landmark building dated to the 1690s; the Third County Courthouse, built in 1837; and P.S. 28, an elementary school built in 1907. Together, these buildings recreate the history of over 300 years of continuous residence on Staten Island. Located in the heart of Richmond County, Historic Richmond Town is a 15-minute drive from all bridges and a 30-minute ride from the Staten Island Ferry Terminal on the S74 bus.
Visitors to Historic Richmond Town can tour furnished historic structures as well as the exhibition galleries in the Historical Museum. The museum features the exhibitions Made on Staten Island, which presents the Island's industrial and social history; TOYS!, which explores the many ways that children learn about themselves and their world through toys; and Bringing Up Baby, which explores the role that children's furniture has played in American homes during the past three centuries.
The mission of the Staten Island Historical Society is to create opportunities for the public to explore the diversity of the American experience, especially that of Staten Island and its neighboring communities from the colonial period to the present day. Historic Richmond Town is a joint project of the independent Staten Island Historical Society and the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, and is a member of the Historic House Trust.
