Chili-lovers of Cayman will be happy to learn that the CayBrew International Chili Cook-off is back, and what better way to tuck into a pot of chili than with a Caybrew beer or two.
The local event coincides with Caybrew’s seventh anniversary and is sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Matthew Leslie, marketing manager at Caybrew, wants to work with the International Chili Society to make the Cook-Off a regional event so that the Cayman Islands can compete next year alongside the 40 or so Caribbean and Central America countries that take part in chili cook-offs.
The event takes place on March 22 from noon until 8 p.m. on the land directly between the Lone Star Bar and Grill and Buckingham Plaza (the entryway to the former Hyatt), with parking available at all surrounding businesses. The entry fee of $20 includes a wristband and five chili pots to sample from the competing recipes.
For those who are really hungry, there is the option of purchasing more chili pots for $1 a pot. Bouncy castles and cotton candy will also be available for children. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite chili, with first, second and third place prizes handed out to the teams with the most tasty recipes. There’s also People’s Choice and Best Booth awards.
“The People’s Choice Award is very important, so we invite everyone to come and judge the chili with your ticket placements,” says Leslie.
Anyone can enter the competition, whether you’re an amateur chef who loves to cook chili for your family and friends or a chili connoisseur. Teams of up to four people can enter the competition for $100, which also gets the team registered with the International Chili Society. The winning team will receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the chili finals in the U.S.
Attendees will also have a chance to win raffle prizes, including Cayman Airways tickets, a stove range from Home Gas Ltd., and barbecue grills from Uncle Bill’s. Sponsors of the event include Cayman Airways, the Department of Tourism, Home Gas and Red Bull. The official food sponsor is Hurley’s supermarket, and all registered teams receive gift certificates to Hurley’s to shop for their chili recipe food ingredients for the competition.
According to Leslie, the Chili Cook-Off was Cayman’s original culinary festival and the catalyst for what became the Taste of Cayman. He says many people have come to miss the event over the years due to the fun, friendly competition it evokes among locals and visitors.
“The last event was held in 2009, but we are resurrecting it as the Chili Cook-Off was a favorite for many people here in Cayman,” Leslie explained. “We’re also able to include community groups and service clubs such as Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, and not just restaurants. Everyone and anyone can be a part of the Chili Cook-off.”
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