More on today's Chili Cookoff

So the winner of the Fat Tuesday's Chili Cookoff today was not even a Grove business -- it was Bar-B-Que South Beach, which I love and go to often, but I thought this contest was a Grove contest. Anyway, here are proud Tom and Jessica holding their trophy. Centered is Joshua from Sammy C's. You may recognize Joshua from the tv show "Hell's Kitchen," with Chef Gordon Ramsey. Josh came in 5th place one season, he was on 10 of the 11 episodes that season.

Sammy C's booth came in "Most Creative" tying with Anokha for the same honor. To the right is Chuck and Frank from Barracuda. Frank says he'll give $1.00 off any drink at Barracuda if you mention the "Coconut Grove Grapevine," I don't know how long that is for, but try it next time you visit Barracuda.


Here are the pretty ladies from Anokha, Pilar, Sandra and Marissa. Anokah is open tonight, so if you aren't all filled up on chili, stop in at their new location on Virginia Street, across from the Mayfair Hotel.


Here are Libria and Susy from Hooters. Libria was in the Waiter's Race today with Roman from Basil and Devon from Chili's Bar and Grill. Devon won, he got $150.00 cash.


Cousins Marc and Philly, Marc is from Boardwalk Pizza and Philly is from the Sandbar Grill (also cousins in business). I know their fathers for years, I know Philly since he was born, probably Marc, too, but I've been friendly with Philly all these years. Centered are Nadia and Kelly from Pomme and Pane Café and to the left are Luis and Roman from Basil in the Grove.

Not shown is the Los Ranchos booth, they won "Best Decorated."So it's like this:

"Best Chili" - BBQ South Beach
"Most Creative" - tie - Sammy C's and Anokha
"Best Decorated" - Los Ranchos
and to come is the "Most Popular" but that may be hard to do because many places like Barracuda actually gave seconds and thirds on one food ticket, so their count would be way down.

This was a really great event. We need more of this in the Grove. It brought a lot of people out and really was a nice big community event enjoyed by everyone.