PVCC Chili Cook-Off Champions

On Thursday, Dec. 5 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., PVCC’s second annual chili cook-off was held in the Main Building Event Space. During the event, four PVCC staff and faculty members faced off against each other, each with unique chili recipes, to answer the big question: Who cooked the best chili?

At the event, tables were set up for snacks, toppings, and condiments, as well as the four chili recipes featured at the event: Karen Grunow’s “Best Chili Ever….” turkey chili, Kari Hirst’s “Smoke Show” beef and pork chili, David Lerman’s “Show me the spicy beef!” spicy beef chili, and Mary-Evelyn Sellars’ “White Lightning” chicken and bean chili. In addition, another row of tables were set up for a Christmas cookie building stand, which had various toppings, sprinkles, and frosting choices. 

As they arrived, attendees were encouraged to try all the chili recipes and were given tickets to vote for their favorite one.

Although it was a tough decision, after trying all four of the chili recipes, my personal vote went to Grunow’s “Best Chili Ever….” turkey chili, which I felt lived up to its name. All of the chili recipes at the cook-off hit the spot, and as the event came to a close, the winner of the second annual PVCC chili cook-off was announced: Karen Grunow. 

Each of the cook-off contestants put up a great fight with their recipes, and the friendly competition during the cook-off helped make it more fun and special for everybody.

With finals week coming up, the PVCC chili cook-off served as a fun, competitive break from the stress of deadlines for both the contestants and attendees. 

Hirst said that the event was held so “at the end of classes there’s an event for students, staff, and faculty to all get together.”