Championship Chili

Those restaurants on the ballot included Pie in the Sky, Otis & Oliver’s, The Eatery, Houlihan’s, Albany Pump Station, Bellevue Cafe, New World Bistro, Lansingburgh Cafe, BFS Restaurant, Farmer Boy Diner & Restaurant, Illium Cafe, Park Pub & Restaurant, Central Steak, Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Cafe Hollywood, Muddy’s, Halfmoon Sandwich & Salad Shoppe, The Eatery @ Rte Fore Golf, Quizno’s and Hollywood Brown Derby.

Each cup of chili was judged on five criteria; Color, Aroma, Consistency, Taste and Aftertaste.

Pie in the Sky from Central Avenue in Albany was serving up “Snake Bite Tequila Chili”, which includes Python meat:
Steve Teeling of FOX23 checking out the chili’s:

SouthPaw had to beg to try some:
Fan Development Manager Michelle Skinner had a much easier time getting her hands on a cup:
After all the scorecards were tallied, the winners were crowned. Here are the final results:

Best Booth

Winner – BFS Restaurant

1^st Runner Up – Pie in the Sky

Best Vegetarian

Winner – Houlihan’s

1^st Runner Up – New World Bistro

Zestiest

Winner – Houlihan’s

1^st Runner Up – Muddy’s

 

Most Creative

Winner – Pie in the Sky

1^st Runner Up – BFS Restaurant

 

Best Overall ~ People’s Choice

Winner – Lansingbugh Café

1^st Runner Up – Pie in the Sky

 

Best Overall – Judge’s Choice

Winner – Halfmoon Sandwich and Salad Shoppe

1^st Runner Up – The Eatery @ Rte Fore Golf

The event was a tremendous success and all of the chili’s were amazing! Check out some more photos:

Best Overall Chili Winner, Lansinbgurgh Cafe, as voted by the people:

SouthPaw poses with a fan and the championship trophy:

SouthPaw and celebrity judge Heather Morrison, meteorologist from YNN.
Media Relations Manager Chris Chenes with FOX23 Meteorologist Steve Teeling:
Two of the guest judges, GM of The Desmond Hotel John D’ Adamo and ValleyCats Assistant General Manager Matt Callahan:
SouthPaw with Katie Camarro of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge: