Chili Cook-Off socially distant, still delicious

If you’ve enjoyed the annual Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off in the past and thought it was just one more thing you’d have to skip this year, you’re in luck! The event is on and happening now through the end of February in a socially distanced, safe and totally doable way.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) has organized the festival for the past 23 years, but its special events team knew that things would have to be structured a little differently this year. According to the DIA website, the 2021 Cook-Off allows residents and visitors to “support eateries and judge their chili from the comfort of home,” instead of the usual one-day festival on the Commons.

Rather than buying tickets and waiting in crowded lines to taste small samples of a variety of chilies, those who want to taste and vote for their favorites this year will need to order a cup or bowl from the participating restaurants of their choice. There are dine-in and takeout options available, depending on the venue. The extended time period allows participants to try as many as they want before casting their votes online.

The socially distant but still delicious Chili Cook-Off allows for dozens of restaurants across the region to compete for the titles of Best Meat Chili, Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili, Best Chili-Inspired Item and The People’s Choice Chili. A full list of participating venues can be found at downtownithaca.com.

Darlene Wilber, communications manager for the DIA, said that the team worked closely with the Tompkins County Health Department to come up with the new plan. Acknowledging that it’s more important than ever to support local businesses and give people something fun to do in the middle of winter, they didn’t even consider canceling. The challenge was coming up with a way that the Cook-Off could be done safely without the jostling crowds.

“We extended the timeline for two weeks to allow more people to enjoy the experience,” Wilber said. “Folks can order chili at any of our 25 participating locations and choose dine-in or takeout, whatever they are more comfortable with. All restaurants have their own protocols in place and adhere to the health guidelines.”

There are more than 30 varieties of chili entered in the competition, begging the question, “What qualifies as a chili anyway?” Dictionary.com defines it as “a hearty stew that has varied recipes and ingredients, with or without meat.” Under that broad category, there is sure to be something for every palate. Don’t like beans? Not a problem. Not a fan of too much heat? There are mild options that won’t make your eyes water or burn your tongue.

With last year’s People’s Choice winner, the Taverna Banfi restaurant, not participating this year, competition is fierce to claim the trophy. Some old favorites like Ithaca Ale House’s pork belly stout chili and Moosewood’s vegetarian and vegan offerings are in the running, as is the 2019 winner, Ithaca Beer Co., with a meat chili featuring chopped steak from Kilcoyne Farms.

Luna Inspired Street Food won for Best Presentation in 2020 and is looking to repeat this year. Offering both meat chili and a Thai curry variation, Luna has a good shot at the bragging rights.

Newcomers are also represented among this year’s Cook-Off participants. Ooy’s Deli, which took over the former Collegetown Bagels location at the corner of Seneca and Aurora streets in August, didn’t hesitate to throw its hat in the ring with spicy meat and veggie chilies topped with cheddar and sour cream. Hound and Mare, the newest addition to Aurora Street’s restaurant row, was eager to join the friendly rivalry and put their classic brisket and veggie chili with fire-roasted tomatoes to the test.

Competition is not strictly limited to downtown, as there are some outliers in the mix. Covered Bridge Market & Pizzeria in Newfield has an entry for the first time this year, a meat lover’s chili featuring Gus’s sausage. Brookton’s Market is serving up its meat and vegan chilies in bread bowls or, if you prefer, in a chili/cheese calzone.

If none of this sounds tempting or savory just isn’t your thing, never fear — there are some surprisingly sweet options available.

Caleb Harrington at Nothing Nowhere (inside Home Green Home) says that their entry, “The Chariot,” is a “chocolate and coffee beverage for the spicy end times.” Working in collaboration with local chocolatier Oracle Chocolates, the concoction combines dark chocolate mocha, cinnamon, nutmeg, habanero peppers and cloves.

Sweet and sinful with a slow burn, Harrington says the drink is “pretty alright,” but he’s weighing the option of topping it with a flaming marshmallow for a little extra sizzle. A similar chocolate and chili combination can be sampled in the form of a truffle at Mama Said Hand Pies, after enjoying their poblano con queso hand pie, of course.

Voting is an important part of any competition, so don’t forget to log on to ithaca.com/chili to cast your votes. Anyone who tries a chili or other chili-themed product is also encouraged to snap a photo of their tasting experience and post to Facebook or Instagram using #downtownithaca.

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance is excited to be able to host the Chili Cook-Off this year and hopes for a good turnout. Proceeds from the entire event will go to the restaurant participants rather than the DIA as in the past.

“This is just another way for folks to show support for our restaurant community which has been hit so hard by the pandemic,” Wilber said.