Press Kit

2010 Chilly Chili Cook-Off



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 13th, 2010

CONTACT: Siiri Grubb, 603-356-5701 ext. 304, siiri@mtwashingtonvalley.org



What: 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook Off
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Date: Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Place: Flatbread Company in the Eastern Slope Inn Resort, North Conway, NH

7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off Brings ‘Heated' Competition to Mt. Washington Valley
Public welcome to determine ‘Best Chili in Mt Washington Valley, NH' as local chefs compete during the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off


NORTH CONWAY, NH- This ‘heated' Mt. Washington Valley tradition taking place on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Flatbread Company in the Eastern Slope Inn Resort from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., combines tough competition, top secret recipes and family fun. The public is invited to sample their way through this belly filling event for $5 per person including six chili taste tickets, coffee and desserts from The Met and homemade ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. This year's cook-off will also feature added competitions, a live band and karaoke with Sound-FX for an exciting day sure to warm you up this winter.

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce invites all restaurant or professional chefs to participate in the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Participants will compete for cash prizes and trophies, along with the opportunity to feature their winning chilly recipes at an upcoming Chamber After-Hours and on the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce's homepage. $100 will be awarded to the 1st place winners for best chili in both the judges and people's choice categories. Awards will be given to the 2nd place winner of the people's choice category, and the winner of ‘Best Presentation.' The chili entries can be of any variety; red or green, vegetarian or beef, spicy or mild; the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce is looking for it all, to determine the best of the Valley! The chili, in addition to being judged by the public for the people's choice vote, will be judged by local celebrities including American Culinary Federation member Lisa Somerville, based on the following criteria: aroma, consistency, color, aftertaste and overall flavor.

The entry fee for participating in the Chilly Chili Cook-Off is $25, and participants must provide at least 5 gallons of chili for tasting by the judges and the public. Each participant registered for the event will be provided with one uncovered 6 x 2.5 foot table and service ware including spoons, 4 oz cups and napkins. Power can be provided if needed to keep the chili warm during the competition. All chili entries should be prepared ahead of time and brought ready to serve during the competition. If a business or individual chef would like to participate but is unable to staff their table, the Chamber will work to provide a server for them.

New to this year's competition is the "The Corn Bread Cook-Off Extravaganza," where participants can show off their baking skills and guarded family recipes for a chance to be named ‘Best Cornbread in the Mt. Washington Valley.' All corn bread entries must be ready to serve during the competition for a chance to win a prize.

In addition to the chili and corn bread entries, this year's competition is getting a little funky and festive with the "Crazy Hat Contest." A prize will be awarded for the most unique headpiece, so participants are encouraged to dig through their closets for a funky hat revival, or make their own unique or outrageous headpiece.

For more information about the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off or to register, contact Mary Seavey at 603-356-5701 ext. 305 or email mary@mtwashingtonvalley.org. The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank event sponsors; Flatbread Company, Lakes Region Coca Cola, Tuckerman Brewing Company and The Metropolitan Coffee House.

For other fun activities and events, as well as complete up-to-date information on Mt. Washington Valley lodging, dining and attractions visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).
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