Mesquite Gaming Director Bruce Landvik is entered in the Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge II Saturday and Sunday at the CasaBlanca Resort.
The Smokin’ Big Chili Challenge scheduled Saturday and Sunday at the CasaBlanca Resort will have a local flair competing.
Mesquite Gaming Director of Food Bruce Landvik brings his world-famous recipe into the competition facing some of the nation’s top competitors in the back-to-back International Chili Society Regional Chili Cook Offs.
With entrants coming from as far away as Galveston, Tex. and Bakersfield, Calif. along with others from Canada and Colorado, the likeable Landvik is up against the best.
CasaBlanca Resort Chef Geno Ceccarelli lauds Landvik’s recipe.
“Bruce has won numerous awards with his smoked white chili,” said Ceccarelli, a 46 year-old native of New Jersey who has lived in Mesquite for two years. “He makes smoked chicken white chili. It’s very different from the others.
“It’s very tasty, it’s creamy and it’s very smooth. You won’t find better chili anywhere.”
Landvik, a talented chef himself who rides off on a long vacation each year on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, is eager to compete this year. He also praises the competitors for their dedication to the world of chili cook off competition.
“It’s no joke,” said Landvik. “I’m sure it’s very costly for many of the competitors not only to make the trip, but also buy all of their supplies. Throw in the fuel money needed and it’s easy to see that these people are very dedicated to the world of chili cook offs.”
Landvik is especially fascinated with the Peoples Choice portion of the competition. During Peoples Choice, a small donation of $5 will go to the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation while also giving the donor a chance to taste test the chili from noon until 3 p.m.; or until the event runs out of chili.
“This event has a little bit for everyone and the fact that it helps the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation makes it all that much better,” he said. “Goodie Two Shoes helps out underprivileged children that need shoes.
“Then, too, with an estimated 600 classic vehicles competing in Mesquite Motor Mania, you won’t find a better reason to come to Mesquite for the weekend. It will be good, clean fun.”
In what has become a blockbuster weekend complete with hot cars and hot chili, the 49 year-old Landvik is also in the background putting together the event long before the first entrants have submitted their paperwork. A native of Goodland, Kansas, he has been cooking since he was only 10.
“This is a great event,” said Landvik of the weekend’s blockbuster competition. “People have been planning vacations around the car show and the addition last year of the chili cook off made it even more popular.”
Further information regarding the chili cook offs can be found by visiting www.mesquitechili.com, or by calling Michele Evans of Mesquite Gaming at 888-711-4653, ext. 14.
Further information regarding Mesquite Motor Mania can be found by visiting www.mesquitecarshows.com or by calling 702-643-0000.
CONTACTS: Michele Yegge Evans, Mesquite Gaming, 888-711-4653, ext. 14; Art Kamm, Las Vegas Cruisin’ Association, 702-643-000; Mike Henle, The Idea Company Public Relations, 702-279-3483.
