This is no April Fools Day joke! Tomorrow, some of Cleveland's finest chili makers will descend upon Quicken Loans Arena to compete in the 2011 Chili Cookoff for Autism! The event directly benefits the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland and runs from noon to 3pm. The suggested donation to attend is only $15 for adults and $5 for children. There will be a lot more fun happening at this event than just chili, including raffles of some pretty cool items, including Two Continental Airlines tickets good for travel anywhere in the Continental United States and South America, Mexico and a few islands, a Disney Air and Hopper Pass Package, a dinner party at Peppermill Pub and Grille for 20, a Jake DelHomme autographed football, a Ramon Sessions jersey, and an Intimate Dinner for Two valued at $200.00 prepared and served by Chef Eric Wells of Skylarae Catering . So - come on out!
I have been involved in this event since its inception, and am pleased to have helped raise both money and awareness for a wonderful cause. For the second consecutive year, I will be on the judging panel and I am looking forward to tasting some fabulous chili. Chefs participating this year include:
Eric Wells- Skylarae Catering
John Wright – Peppermill Bar and Grille
Doug Fulton- 5 Star Catering
Chef Gary- Rocky River Brewing Compnay
Pete Dressen- Walden
Bill Polewchak and his 20 Mule Team Barracho Team
Shana Trepal- Treehuggers Café
Tommy Kneeland- Redstone Café
Tommy Kneeland- Redstone Café
Ken Kostal- Big Boppers
Jeff Fisher- Touch Suppper Club
Zinc Brassierie
My sources also tell me that Cleveland television legend Fred Griffith will be dishing out chili with the 20 Mule Team Barracho Team, and Cleveland radio personality Joe Croneauer will also be in the house - come on down, enjoy some amazing chili and say hello.
Since the event starts at noon, you can stop by and get filled up with luscious, home-made chili on your way to the Indians game, or as a first course to the opening game of the Cleveland Gladiators Arena football team, which begins at 4pm right there at the Q. Or perhaps you might stop by after your morning trip to the farmers' market or the West Side Market, and then continue with your day after. However you fit it in, I guarantee that you'll have fun playing with chili at the 2011 Chili Cookoff for Autism.
