It's Tuesday February 19, 2019
2015 Chili Cook-off
Record Attendance - Record RevenueOctober 27, 2015
Thirteen culinary artists competed Saturday for top honors in the annual Chili-Cook-off, a benefit for Oriental’s Old Theater. Vegetarian, chicken, and traditional bean and beef recipes – including Bill Wheeler’s claim of a secret ingredient – were sampled by 300+ spicy food aficionados on a perfect weather day in Oriental. Nelda Coats coordinated this year’s cook-off. She reported an anticipated net of almost $3,000 – a Chili Cook-off record.Taste bud reactions follow:
An oft-repeated scene at the Chili-Cook-off, patrons in line for a sample, here, a sample of Camp Don Lee’s vegetarian recipe.From the 11 am opening until the 2 pm close, the Cook-off grounds were filled with locals and out-of-towners seeking a gourmet chili sample and a chance to help the Old Theater.Bill Wheeler claimed to have included a secret recipe, which remained a secret when the Cook-off came to a close.No one discovered if red hair indicated an exclusive use of red peppers.John Phillips stirred his pot while Alan Probst portrayed Bob Garner, UNC-TV food critic.The Neuse Sailing Association chefs served pineapple as a condiment to what was apparently a Hawaiian-Mexican blend.Did his chili give him a taste of “the Bern” or the burn?
Posted Tuesday October 27, 2015 by Ben Casey

















