SOS Clinic Chili Cook-Off Rules and Guidelines

1. Entry Fees

• Each contestant will be required to make a tax-deductible donation of $100 as an "entry fee"
• No refunds will be provided after December 31st, 2025

2. Schedule

• Each contestant must check in at CAVU Cellars between 4:00 and 5:00 pm the day of the event
• Celebrity judges will start their judging at 5:30 pm
• General public serving will start at 6:00 pm

3. Entry Guidelines

• Contestants may bring more than one chili to share with the public but only one can be entered in the actual contest
• Each entry must include a short description of the dish and what the cook is trying to achieve. The judges will use this to help determine how successful each entry is in delivering on the intended style.
• There will not be subcategories of chili in the contest itself. Instead each entry can reflect whatever style of chili the cook prefers.

• Examples include:
  • Traditional Red Chili: The classic, meaty, and spicy chili that everyone knows and loves. Beans or no beans?
  • Vegetarian/Vegan Chili: For those who prefer plant-based options. Packed with veggies, legumes, and bold flavors.
  • White Chicken Chili: Creamy, comforting, and made with chicken, white beans, and mild green chilies.
  • Spicy Inferno Chili:  For the brave souls who can handle the heat. Bring on the ghost peppers and habaneros!
  • Seafood Chili: A twist on tradition—think shrimp, crab, or even lobster in your chili.
  • Wild Game Chili: Venison, bison, or wild boar—hunters and adventurous eaters unite!
  • Regional Chili: Represent a specific region (e.g., Texas, Cincinnati, New Mexico) with its unique chili style.
  • Fusion Chili: Mix it up! Combine flavors from different cuisines—maybe Thai-inspired chili or Tex-Mex-Indian fusion.

 4. Chili Preparation

• Cooking Methods: Participants can use stovetop, slow cooker, or even outdoor grills.
• No Pre-packaged or Purchased Chili: Contestants must prepare their chili themselves from scratch specifically for this event. But there will not be time or facilities at the event itself to cook the chili. The participants will be responsible for providing any accompaniments to their chili such as cheese, sour cream or herbs.
• Each contestant will be responsible for bringing their own equipment for heating and serving the chili. This includes crock pots and ladles or serving spoons. The venue will provide electricity to each contestant. The venue will provide tables for each contestant to use.  Serving cups and spoons will also be provided for the use of the public.

5. Judging

• Panel: We will have a panel of at least 3 judges.
• Blind Tasting: Judges will taste samples without knowing who prepared them.
• Scoring: Use a numerical scoring system (1 to 10) for each criterion.

Judging Criteria:

• Taste (Flavor):
  • Inviting smell: Does it make you want to dive in? Aromatic spices and savory scents matter.
  • Balance: Consider the overall flavor profile. Is it well-balanced, with a harmonious blend of spices, protein, and other ingredients?
  • Depth: Look for depth of flavor—layers of taste that evolve as you eat.
• Texture:
  • Protein: Is the protein tender and well-cooked? No chewy bits or gristle.
  • Bean texture (if applicable): Are beans cooked properly—neither too mushy nor too firm?
  • Overall consistency: Chili should have a consistent texture throughout.
• Appearance/Presentation:
  • Color: Traditional red chili should be rich and vibrant. Other categories may have different color expectations.
  • Garnishes: Consider how well the chili is presented—clean bowls, appealing garnishes, and attention to detail.
• Creativity and Originality:
  • Innovation: Reward unique approaches, unexpected ingredients, or creative twists.
  • Category fit: Does the chili align with its category (e.g., traditional, vegetarian, fusion)?
• Heat (Spiciness) Management:
  • Consistency: If it’s meant to be spicy, is the heat consistent throughout?
  • Not overwhelming: Spicy is good; mouth-on-fire isn’t.
• Overall Enjoyment:
  • Would you want seconds? Consider whether you’d happily finish the bowl.
  • Memorability: Does it stand out in your memory?

6. Prizes and Awards:

• First, Second, Third Place: Award winners as selected by the judges
• People’s Choice: Attendees vote for their favorite chili.
• Cook’s Choice:  Contestants vote for their favorite chili.

Creative Awards:

• Most Creative Ingredient: Award the chili that surprises everyone with an unexpected, but delicious, ingredient (e.g., chocolate, coffee, or exotic spices).
• Spiciest Chili:  The one that sets taste buds on fire. Extra points if it makes people sweat!
• Chili Name Puns Award:  Give a nod to the most pun-tastic chili name. Bonus points for groan-worthy humor!