CONNECTICUT STATE CHILI COOKOFF RESULTS
Fall is arriving in New England. We all felt it in early morning chill as cooks arrived at East Shore Park in New Haven, CT to set up for the cook off. The weather rapidly warmed up and we had an absolutely perfect day for a chilly cook off: temperatures in the mid-70’s, beautiful blue skies and sunshine. And the people came out to enjoy the day and taste the chili. The crowd was plentiful and enjoyed sampling the People’s Choice chili, with proceeds from tasting kit sales going to the New Haven Food Pantry.
Connecticut State is one of the last two Northeast cook offs before the World’s Championship and the cooks were all eager to get their salsas and chilis on the judging tables and grab one of those coveted spots in two weeks in Manchester.
When the judging and counting was done, the winners were:
People’s Choice: Alison & Mario Saccoccio, Mad Hatter’s Chili
Best Booth: Linda McGrath, Third Time’s the Charm
Salsa:
3rd- Alison Saccoccio, CT
2nd- Mike Kropp, NH
1st- Mike Merola, CT
Verde:
3rd- Jack Cowell, CT
2nd- Roxanne Ballachino, CT
1st- Dave Lorenz, NJ
Red:
3rd- Matt Levy, MD
2nd- Linda McGrath, CT
1st- Vicki Tankis, MA
The CT State cook off also has the Road to Manchester Cup competition for those who have previously won a red chili division and want to make a “practice cup” before World’s. This year’s winner was Dave Lorenz from NJ.
One week left to qualify and then we will see you all in Manchester for the Big One!
-Mary Alice Kropp
