Chili Cook-off Takes Off
Anderson Bar & Grill
8060 Beechmont Ave
513-474-2212
Did you miss Anderson Bar & Grill’s 4th annual Chili Cook-Off? Then you suck (or maybe just hate chili?). Well, we were there, we always are. And, as a matter a fact we love it. Why? First off, ABG’s Chili Cook-Off personifies neighborhood pub.
Where else could you find two parking lots full of cars, both sides of ABG full of patrons and bartenders busy on a sleepy Sunday afternoon? Folks enjoying brews and courteous conversation, ordering appetizers (ABG’s cheese sticks are THE best) to curb the tummy rumble no doubt brought on by the amazing aroma from a couple dozen crock pots of simmering chili. It’s a good time all around.
We’ve judged the cook-off previously and that was a blast. This was our first year as a competitor. Let me tell you now-it certainly adds to the fun too. Nervous anxiety yes, “Will they dig my Indian Chili? Do they know a good masala? Do they understand?” This year featured two new judges (Eric Miller-Executive Director of Anderson Chamber Of Commerce, and Paul Schils-Pelican’s Reef Chef) in addition to one veteran (Tim Johnson-Executive Chef of Coldstream Country Club). Well, since our Indian spiced vegetarian chili didn’t take any of the top three spots I’d guess they didn’t dig it that much. No big deal. It didn’t subtract from our fun whatsoever (and the crowd did dig it after all). Just like the competitors and guests we threw back a few brews and chimed in on all the “chili talk” What ingredients people like & dislike, special seasonings, secret sauces and everything in-between was the hot topic. That, and watching the Steelers smoke the team that just smoked the Bengals.
The game preceded the event, we all watched as Ben Roethlisberger, fresh off suspension threw three touchdown passes, and the Steelers clobbered Cleveland 28-10. Anderson Bar & Grill is the Anderson sports authority pub and even an Annual Chili Cook-Off isn’t going to get in the way of the 100” plasma during game time. Rest assured of that man.
After the salivating wait the Cook-Off took off, an hour later the judges had made their decision, 1st place went to Ron Rodenparker (bottom). Ron’s White Chicken chili hit the sweet spot on the judge’s palate. Ron Meyer took 2nd (center) and Ryan Abbott (top) followed up in 3rd. All should be equally proud. How the results go depends on who’s in the judges seats. Simple as that.
Great chili is recognized by all. After the judging the crowd is allowed to dig in and sample them all. Perhaps that’s the best part of it all. Big bowls of oyster crackers, cheese and onions are on hand to dress it up and what better fall feast can you imagine?
You can bet dollars to doughnuts we’ll be there next year. We may even throw another recipe at the judges (Thai Chili? Hmmm?). It’s all in good fun and it’s damn sure a good time. If you dig chili, beer, football you need to be there too. In the meantime, check out Anderson Bar & Grill’s Cincinnati recipe chili. It’s a permanent menu item and it seriously kicks ass. Huge portions and great chili push ABG’s three ways way over the top of the big three in the city. At least if we were judging.
