Patrons packed Leamington’s Half Century Centre on the evening of January 17 to have a sample of smoke and spice from six different competitors in this year’s Chili Cook-Off.
Competing for the title were chilis from Venvi Leamington Retirement Living, Bradt’s Butcher Block, Half Century Centre, Rosewood Erie Glen Senior Living, Southpoint Sun and Leamington Lions Club.
A panel of three chili judges, made up of John Hammond, Nadia DiDomenico and Tim Wilkinson, were looking for the perfect combination of kick, texture and flavour from the samples they were given in a blind taste test.
Coming out on top according to the judges’ scores was Rosewood Erie Glen, while Venvi finished a close second. Capturing the heart of the crowd was Venvi, as they took home the title for People’s Choice.
Executive Director of the Half Century Centre Christine Lehn expressed appreciation to both those who attended the event and to the six organizations that took part in the competition. Lehn shared that the proceeds from the evening would be used for the day-to-day expenses incurred at the club that is enjoyed by hundreds of seniors in the local area.
The judges for the Chili Cook-Off were sequestered to the back of the Half Century Centre to determine which chili would come out on top. Pictured, from the left, are John Hammond, last-minute fill-in Nadia DiDomenico and Tim Wilkinson.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Pictured are the winners from this year’s cook-off competition. On the left, with the first-place certificate is Melissa Loeppgy of Rosewood Erie Glen, in the centre is event organizer Christine Lehn, and on the right is Nadia DiDomenico of Venvi with certificates for second place from the judges and the People’s Choice award.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
