Barracuda and The Grove Spot take top chili prizes

Vintage cars and hot chili were part of The Barnacle's Hot Chili, Cool Cars event, Sunday. This 1966 Lincoln Continental, owned by Julio Lima, was the winner of Coolest Car, voted on by the park visitors.

As you entered The Barnacle grounds, this bright red car with the classic fins greeted you, along with the smell of slow cooking chili.

Not as many Grove restaurants participated as expected, but those in attendance had a great time. At left is the Barracuda team, which won Best Chili as People's choice, voted on by those in the park who tried it and they also won Best of the Best, which combined the judges' scores and the public's scores. At right is the Judges' Choice for Best Chili, The Grove Spot team, who brought their chili on Olav's famous bicycle with the big wicker basket up front, you've probably seen him around town on that bicycle.

Steve Dimse cooked up hot dogs and of course chili dogs. At right is the Passman family, picnicking in the park. Bryan was in charge of the cars, getting them there, setting up the ballots, etc.

There were more cars participating this year than in previous years. They lined up both sides of the great lawn.

 I kept thinking of Downton Abbey whenever I looked at this classic Rolls Royce.

Alyn Pruett, Sweet Pea Elliman and Scooby, manned the cash register. Erin Compton  from the last Carrot entered a veggie chili, which people liked a lot. That's Louis Del Borrello, Grove Ambassador, with her.

Louis again,with park ranger, Katrina Boler. At right is Matt Anderson, who sang the whole time. His voice is amazing, he sang classic rock songs.

Judges, Tom Falco, Richard Passman and award-winning Chef Mark D'Alessandro from FIU.

Bryan Passman checks out the chili at the El Churrasquito Argentino booth. That's Mario, the owner. El Currasquito is a new restaurant in the Grove at 3120 Commodore Plaza. Their chili was not really chili, it was a delicous churrasco steak with a side of pasta.

Julio Lima proudly shows off his award and his award-winning car. I really think it was the fuzzy dice hanging from the mirror that put the classic 1966 Lincoln Continental over the edge for best car in the park!