Chili-Powered Celebrations: 43rd Annual Cook-Off
On April 8, 2023, 37 teams gathered at NASA’s Johnson Space Center for the 43rd Annual Chili Cook-Off, claiming to have the best-tasting chili around these here parts. Houstonians competed for the grand prize of being deemed the chili champion. The chilis are scored on their ability to represent a team theme, originality, and artistic merit.
The event was open to the public at the Gilruth Center, a multi-use recreation and conference facility where various services, programs, and events are provided to enhance the morale and welfare of Johnsons’ employees and the local community. Attendees played in a cornhole tournament and enjoyed all-you-can-eat chili and plenty of drinks to go with it. Then, the chili connoisseurs voted!
The guidelines for a great chili are simple: Chili should look good, smell good, and taste good! The judging criteria include color, aroma, consistency, taste, and aftertaste.
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Here are the winners of the 43rd Annual Chili Cook-Off:
The Best Judged
1st place winner: Pissed Cows
2nd place winner: Comic Chili
Bill Preston People’s Choice
1st place winner: Raptor Chili Co
Showmanship
1st place winner: Aresistable
2nd place winner: Bare Bones Chili
Do you have what it takes to make the best chili in town? Get your chili on over here next year and find out! Join in the fun competition and bring your best chili game!
Enjoy the chili cook-off photos below.
Photo Credits: NASA/James Blair
