13th Annual Ithaca Chili-Cookoff Winners

The 13th Annual Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off took place a day later than planned due to severe weather and high winds. Despite the postponement, thousands of chili lovers turned out on Sunday, February 20th and enjoyed samples of over forty unique chilis. Rising to the top of their class in the meat category was Blue Stone Bar & Grill which placed first in the official judging. Rounding out the meat category was People’s Recipe Champion Mark Zimmerman with his Howard’s Hillbilly Chili in second place and finally in third place Simeon’s on the Commons. In vegetarian judging Simeon’s took first place with their Portobello Mushroom Chili while Bandwagon Brewpub and Taste of Thai Express finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Finishing off the judge awarded prizes were Bandwagon Brewpub winning Best Beverage, Chili’n by the Lake for Best Presentation and Simply Red Bistro’s Wicked Wicked Angel Wings which won for best specialty item. Closing out this year’s awards was the People’s Choice selection which was awarded to Razorback BBQ for the second year running.