Captured Moments: Fourth Annual Celebration of NYChiliFest at Chelsea Market, Highlighting the Popular Winter Food Staple Chili
The Fourth Annual NYChiliFest was held on a chilly Sunday, January 26, 2014, at the vibrant Chelsea Market. This year's event, hosted by Chelsea Market, Dickson's Farmstand Meats, and The Cleaver Company, was a carnivore-centric celebration of winter food.
A variety of chefs showcased their culinary skills, using pork, lamb, veal, and locally sourced beef from Wrighteous Organics in Schoharie, NY, in creative ways. Some transformed sausage, bacon, pastrami, and boudin into unique chili recipes, while others opted for unconventional ingredients like tomatillos instead of tomatoes.
The festival featured a lively debate over the use of tomatoes in chili. Chelsea Market's own Friedman's Lunch passed over tomatoes for a green chili with tomatillos, adding a refreshing twist to the spicy mix.
Guests were treated to a range of chili options, with Bubby's serving succulent cubes of beef in chili sauce, and Mexicue balancing spice with banana ketchup and longganisa. The East Village's Filipino restaurant Jeepney won the award for one of the spiciest chilis of the day.
The judges' prize and the 2014 Golden Chili Mug went to Los Tacos No. 1 from Chelsea Market. However, the People's Choice Award was a tie this year, with Freds Texas Cafe and Mexicue taking home the honours.
The event was not just about food and competition. Samuel Adams provided a pairing of four beers for the festival, adding to the festive atmosphere. Food Systems NYC was the beneficiary of the event, with the proceeds going towards supporting local food initiatives.
Robyn Burgess, a digital marketer with a pen name Runaway Apricot, wrote essays and recipes for local, seasonal, and healthy food. Her writing focuses on the social, cultural, and political elements of food. Before studying anthropology at Columbia University, Robyn operated a small bakery and worked on the line at a top Washington, D.C. restaurant.
The day was filled with delicious food, friendly competition, and a rousing set by The Dixons. As guests left the event with homemade batches of chili and commemorative mugs, they looked forward to the next year's feast.
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