GREENE COUNTY, DISCOVER VIRGINIA COOKOFF RESULTS
So, what would you like to do the weekend after the WCCC? Well, 14 hardy chili cooks decided that cooking in Greene County, Virginia was probably a good idea. I would have to agree with them. Kim and I were given the honor of officiating the 1st ever Discover Virginia Chili Cookoff in Ruckersville. The cookoff benefited the local food pantry. The setting was a very picturesque, grassy knoll on the outskirts of this quaint little town in the foot hills of the world famous Blue Ridge Mountains. The air was clean and the skies were blue and cloudless. The cooks set up their gear and handled the local health department with a smile, as we all know how easy they are to get along with. There was a little of everything for the spectators (and cooks ) to partake in. This part of Virginia is home to some very first rate vineyards, and the wineries set up right along our chili competitors for a day of fun in the autumn sun. After all was said and done 500 people were present to see 2 cooks qualify for WCCC and one person qualify for last chance. On a personal note I would like to thank Jennifer Hamlin of Events with Panache for coordinating this event. Also a HUGE thanks to Tracey Wingfield and Tony Williams of the Greene County Department of Economic Development & Tourism. Tracey was Kim’s assistant scorekeeper and did a phenomenal job. The cookoff was Tony’s idea, and he muscled through judging all 3 categories.
Now to the winners
Peoples Choice
Jeremy “Bink” Stevens of Virginia
Salsa 10 Entries
3rd place Dave Lorenz New Jersey
2nd Place Christine Johnson Pennsylvania
1st Place Monica “MoMo”Parker Virginia
Verde 10 Entries
3rd Place Rob Daugherty Virginia
2nd Place Christine Johnson Pennsylvania
1st Place Jeremy “Bink” Stevens (This is Jeremy’s first qualification he’s been cooking in the area for a bit.)
Red Chili 14 Entries
5th was a 4 way tie - unbroken - Doug Johnson, Christine Johnson, Dave Lorenz and George Ryffel
4th Place Jackie Koltz Virginia
3rd Place Rob Daugherty Virginia
2nd Place Christian Parker Virginia
1st place Monica “MoMo” Parker Virginia Qualified for Last Chance and $1000.00 richer.
The cookoff was well received and we are looking forward to being there next year and maybe a few more of our chili friends will join us to make this cookoff a Regional.
Thanks Everyone and see you on the trail.
Ghon Eckley
Check out these links for local write-ups of cookoff:
http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2011/oct/08/greene-chili-fest-balances-heat-and-sweet-ar-1369582/
http://www.nbc29.com/story/15648998/greene-county-heats-up-at-discover-virginia-chili-cook-off
