By Florida Catholic staff - Florida Catholic
Photographer: COURTESY
The Church of the Little Flower Homeless Ministry were the first place winners in the People's Choice category of the annual Gables Chili Fest and Cook-Off organized by the Coral Gables Knights of Columbus.
Photographer: COURTESY
Team Fernando Cancino were the first place winners in the Judge's Choice category of the annual Gables Chili Fest and Cook-Off organized by the Coral Gables Knights of Columbus.
CORAL GABLES | Competition was sizzling last Sunday, Jan. 19, at the annual Gables Chili Fest and Cook-Off organized by the Coral Gables Knights of Columbus to benefit local veterans. Thirteen community teams participated in the competition, preparing chili dishes to vie for the Best Chili awards. Hundreds of visitors turned out under gorgeous weather to enjoy the chili and a fun, family afternoon.
Best Chili Prizes were awarded in two categories: "The People's Choice," based on ballots from the visitors and "The Judge's Choice," a vote by a panel of prominent food judges.
Winners in the People's Choice category were:
- 1st Place, Church of the Little Flower Homeless Ministry;
- 2nd Place, Hope 4 Homeless - St. Agatha;
- 3rd Place was tied between Juancho and Down Syndrome Association of Miami.
Winners in the Judge's Choice category were:
- 1st Place, Team Fernando Cancino;
- 2nd Place, Hope 4 Homeless - St. Agatha;
- 3rd Place, Gran Paris Bakery.
The People's Choice awards were based on ballots submitted by attendees who sampled the chili dishes at the event. The Judge's Choice awards were based on a blind tasting of the chili dishes prepared by all the teams. Judges for this year's competition were past Grand Knights Waldo Toyos and Fernando Garcia plus retired Fire Captain Peter Portu.
Notable sponsors for the Knights of Columbus Gables Chili Fest charity this year were Jack Daniels for the Bar and Lincoln's Beard Brewery in Miami for the beer.
Commenting on the success of the event, Matthew Brophy, Grand Knight, said the event succeeded in raising more funds this year, compared to last year, to help assist local vets.
"The uniqueness of our event was that we had the combined participation of civic, business, religious and charity organizations coming together under one umbrella in support of our local veterans. We look forward to making next year's Chili Fest even better!" Brophy said.
