There is nothing better than a fine bowl of chili, and if you’re in the competitive spirit your secret recipe is needed. Shelly Anderson from The Awesome Original Second Time Arounders Marching Band, Inc. (how do fit that on a t-shirt?!) told me about their fifth annual Chili Cook-Off coming up on Saturday, February 2^nd at Ferg’s in downtown St Pete.  I myself have this totally awesome recipe for a Black Bean Chili, but I wouldn’t want to make the other chef’s feel bad, so I won’t enter…I’m going to be a judge! I’m not sure who will be joining me at the judges table, but last year’s esteemed panel included Lou Schorr – TV & Radio host of New England’s “Fooding around”, Al Ruechel – Senior Anchor Bay News 9 and Torsten Raudszus - Executive Chef Casual Clam. The winners from 2012 included 1^St – Stewart Olson, 2^nd – Paula Crandall, 3^rd – Josh Dixon and for the People’s Choice – Frank Edgar. What I don’t have are their recipes to share with you…anyone willing to give that up?

   The great part about the Cook-Off is that it benefits music education in the Bay area, at a time when programs like music are suffering budget cuts. So, here’s the deal. If you want to enter just click here.  But if you just want to chow down on the best chili in the Bay, bring $10 and enjoy all the chili you can eat, they’ll have prizes music, and with luck an industrial size bottle of Tums!

   Mark it down and join us at Fergs on the 2^nd from 1-4 pm. The Second Time Arounders are a very cool group with members ranging in age from 18-84, and have over 500 members!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

“The aroma of good chili should generate rapture akin to a lover’s kiss.” Motto of the Chili Appreciation Society International