We will be competing in this event on Saturday, March 29 so we may open a tad later than usual.
The American Legion and Navy League are sponsoring their 2nd Annual Charity Chili Cook-Off featuring more than 15 recipes from a broad range of sponsors, including local restaurants and individuals. This always popular event will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 1-5 pm at El Rio Bar and Grill alongside the Cuale River in Paso Ancho.
It’s an “all you can eat” chili plus one order of rib lets and agua fresca costing just $200 pesos per person. El Rio regular menu items are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance from any of the event’s sponsors, including Steve’s Sports Bar and Carol’s Boutique, both on Basilio Badillo. You won’t want to miss this one!
Charities benefiting from the cook off include Proyecto Pitillal Busca Un Amigo, which is a non-profit A.C. child care and rehabilitation facility for underprivileged children with Cerebral Palsy; the Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter, and the Youth Sports and Community Relations Projects in which the American Legion and Navy League participate.
Doors will open at 1 pm, with Mariachi performing from 1 to 2:30 pm, followed by a performance by Mikki Prost, and Nacho Daddy’s Band finishing the entertainment. There will be two classes of chili judging: one by the attendees’ popular vote to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies, and another by three of Vallarta’s top chefs, who will award a “Grand Chef’s Prize.”
Some Spanish priests during the 19th century were said to be wary of the passion inspired by chile peppers, assuming they were aphrodisiacs. A few preached sermons against indulgence in a food which they said was almost as “hot as hell’s brimstone.” “Soup of the Devil,” one called it. The priest’s warning probably contributed to the dish’s popularity.