The weather was hot, the chili was hotter. But the beer was ice-cold, and that's all the encouragement the record-breaking crowd at the 16th annual Texas Society Chili Cook-Off needed.
At the stroke of noon, Chili Madness took over and Chiligula, the god of chili, smiled upon digestive tracts as the public dug into the best chili in the Virgin Islands after the judges had done their job.
Because of the high number of entries, judging was done in two rounds this year. The preliminary round narrowed the field to 15, and finalists were chosen from that list.
And when the day ended, the judges pronounced Louis Hull of Cardow the best chili chef in the Virgin Islands.
When asked how it felt to be No. 1, Hull said, "We be happy!" He now goes to the finals in the World Championship Chili Cook-Off in Terlingua, Texas, in November.
Dennis Murphy made his 11th annual appearance, placing fifth this year, with Sen. Berry's Berry Best Chili.
Frank Brittingham, who took home the first place prize four years ago, won twice this year with a father-son team. The No. 10 spot went to Lawrence Drinkwine for Molly Molone's Philly Chili and the No. 9 spot went to his dad, Paul Drinkwine, for Whale 0f A Tale Chili.
The Coast Guard entry, usually one of the liveliest, was subdued this year because Barbara McDonald, the legendary leader of the Coast Guard entry, left the island. However, she didn't take her recipe with her so the crew carried on.
The event is sanctioned by the International Chili Society, a not-for-profit organization devoted to promoting and improving the preparation and appreciation of true chili. Some local nonprofit organizations will benefit from the proceeds including Queen Louise Home for the Aged and St. Thomas Rescue.
For more on the International Chili Society, (click here.)
Winning entries and chefs were as follows:
1st: Cardow, Louis Hull
2nd: Red Throat Chili, Cecil Mallet of Texas
3rd: Cajun Kay's Chili, Kay Mallet of Texas
4th: Dumpsta Dog Chili, Georgeann Peters
5th: Sen. Berry's Berry Best Chili, Dennis Murphy
6th: Mongoose Chili, St. Croix, Ken Hall
7th: Miss Penelope's Chile, Kathy Vinetti
8th: Karl's Chili, Karl Sittig
9th: Whale of a Tale, Paul Drinkwine
10th: Molly Molone's Philly Chili, Lawrence Drinkwine
