Press Kit

The ‘Best Chili' in Mt Washington Valley, NH determined during most successful MWVCC Chilly Chili Cook-Off event to date!

NORTH CONWAY, NH- Over 30 contestants competed on Saturday, February 27th during the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce's 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off at the Eastern Slope Inn and Flatbread Company. Boasting the best turnout to date, the cook-off event drew in upwards of 600 attendees ready to taste their way through the event and cast their people's choice votes.

A panel of judges comprised of local celebrities and culinary professionals were on hand during the event with the belly aching task of tasting and evaluating all 34 chili submissions. After much deliberation, the judges awarded the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center at Crawford Notch with the first place prize in the chili competition, and second place to individual contestant, John Vescera from Worcester, MA.

The people's choice award for best chili, as determined by the public, went to the Mt. Washington Valley HOG Chapter, with the award for ‘Best Presentation and Theme' going to Tuckerman's Restaurant & Tavern.

New to this year's cook-off were the cornbread and crazy hat competitions, where the Appalachian Mountain Club Highland Center at Crawford Notch again rocked the competition taking home the award for best cornbread. Sarah Goldstein, family member of owners Linda and John Rafferty of Rafferty's Restaurant & Pub, took home the prize for craziest hat.

The Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce would like to thank event sponsors; Eastern Slope Inn Resort, Flatbread Company, Lakes Region Coca-Cola, The Met Coffeehouse, Sizzlin Sauces LLC, Waste Management and Zeb's General Store as well as all 34 contestants for making this years cook-off such a successful event. A thank you also to Coldstone Creamery, The Met Coffeehouse and White Mountain Cupcakery for providing delicious sweet treats and samples as well as Frank Hastings of SOUND-FX for providing the entertainment.

A momentous thank you goes out to the cook-off judges; Carey-Ann King, Tom Eastman, Trudy Kasianchuk, Richard Mattei, Tim Remillard, Lisa Somerville, Audley Williams, Corinne Whitaker, Carol Craig and Maureen Seavey as well as the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce volunteers who helped with the event.

For more information about the 7th Annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off or other fun activities, and events as well as Mt. Washington Valley lodging, dining and attractions visit www.mtwashingtonvalley.org or call 1-800-DO-SEE-NH (800-367-3364).
###