Gary Hamel, American author, management expert, and professional speaker said: “As human beings, we are the only organisms that create for the sheer stupid pleasure of doing so. Whether it’s laying out a garden, composing a new tune on the piano, writing a bit of poetry, manipulating a digital photo, redecorating a room, or inventing a new chili recipe – we are happiest when we are creating.”
Here, at Food With Thought, we tend to agree with Gary, but he failed to mention one very important detail that we feel we need to add:
“Human beings are also the happiest when they are tasting chili recipes that other human beings have invented.” Trust us. Why else would Chili Cook-offs be such a big thing across North America?
Contrary to popular belief, Chili Con Carne is not a Mexican dish. It actually originated in Texas, and is the Lone Star State’s state dish. There are a myriad of chili variations – meaty, vegetarian, chili verde, white chili… and countless vehicles (such as baked potatoes, hot dogs, fries and tortilla chips) that serve an invaluable purpose: getting said chili variations into our mouths.
Don’t worry. We’re not all talk. Because this Friday you’ll have an opportunity to taste a variety of chilies made by local Cloverdale businesses and groups at The Cloverdale Chili Cook-off! Every team will use their secret ingredients to prove that their chili is the tastiest and most unique. That’s where you come in. If you sample the delicious recipes on offer and vote for your favourite, you’ll get a chance to win passes to the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to go home and conjure up your own magical chili recipe.
The event will warm up with a demonstration from participants of the World Freestyle Round-Up Skateboard Championships, and also include live country music, a bouncy castle, and beautiful show horses.
Cloverdale Chili Cook-off
Clover Square Village Mall, Highway #10 & 177B Street
Friday, May 15th
4:30pm to 6:30pm
Photo Courtesy of Cloverdale BIA