And it’s anyone’s guess what kind of chili will be entered in the cook-off this year, but if recipes from years past are any indication, it’s a good bet they will be interesting.
“It’s not your basic beef and bean chili,” said Diane Gunter, business advocate for the Highlands Business Partnership. “There are definitely some interesting recipes. They always try to kick it up a notch.”
As always, there will be a winner in the professional category, with all entries from Highlands restaurants, and another in the amateur contest. There will also be a Judges Choice Award in each category.
By Mary Ann Bourbeau
Those who attend will have the opportunity to sample each chili recipe and vote for their favorite by dropping a ballot in a ballot box. Winners in the professional and amateur categories will receive a trophy, but more importantly, they will have bragging rights until next year’s event.
Each ticket includes chili tastings, two beer tickets, snacks and a ballot. The day includes enter tainment by the Richmond County Pipes and Drums and Irish step dancers from the Jig Factory – Daly Irish Dance School in Atlantic Highlands.
Tickets are $30 each, or $25 each for two or more, and are tax deductible. Proceeds benefit the 15th Annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which will be held at 2 p.m. March 18, kicking off at Huddy Park.
“The chili cook-off gets people geared up for the parade,”
For more information, call 732-291-4713, email hbp@high- landsnj.com or visit www.highlandsnj.com.
Arts and entertainment writer Mary Ann Bourbeau can be reached at mbourbeau@tworivertimes.com.
This article was first published in the Feb. 23-March 2, 2017 print edition of The Two River Times.
