The International Chili Cook Off held this past Saturday, has brought back to life this culinary event which was so popular in Cayman during the 90’s. With teams from some of the top restaurant and businesses competing for a chance to represent the Cayman Islands at the Chili Finals in the USA later this year.
With hundreds of attendees sampling the best Cayman has to offer, the judging was close but George Town Yacht Club walked away the winners and will represent the Cayman Islands in the Chili Finals in October of this year.
The People’s Choice Award went to the impressive display put on by Home Gas Ltd. as Brad Watts, Gregg Radley and Stuart Bostock showed off an impressive display of culinary skill and design. They also took home the 3rd Place trophy from the overall judging. Their Texas themed booth also won the hearts of many locals and was a favourite of the day with their Country music and 5 gallon hats. Definitely a crowd favourite.
Craft Restaurant also stole taste bud appeal by coming in a close 2nd place and also winning the Top People’s Choice Restaurant award. Vowing to come back next year with eyes on the 1st Place trophy.
ElectraTech’s Hillbilly booth took Best Booth Award with their hilarious Country slogan signs but ran afoul of the judge’s taste buds picking up the “Nice Try” last place trophy for the day.
Caybrew’s spokesperson, Matthew Leslie said that overall the Brewery was very impressed with the attendance and was already looking forward to next year’s event. “This was a real showcase and we learned a few things that we will improve on next year as we can only make this event bigger and better over time. We really have to thank all the sponsors who came together and made this all possible!” The definite crowd favourite was the raffle which saw people buying lots of raffle tickets and winning Cayman Airways flights as well as numerous Gas Grills donated by Uncle Bill’s. “Proceeds from the raffle tickets will be donated to Meals On Wheels” said Leslie. Also funds were raised from the Kids Zone for the West Bay Primary School PTA.
Sponsors included The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Home Gas Ltd, Cayman Airways, Uncle Bill’s, Hurley’s Marketplace, Radio Cayman, and Red Bull.
The Caybrew International Chili Cook Off was a sanctioned event by the World governing body of Chili the ICS. The Cayman Islands will be eligible to host the Regional Competition in 2015.
