Sedona AZ (April 21, 2017) – The Rotary Club of Sedona announces the seventh annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-off on Saturday, May 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This fun event is a part of the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta weekend. Top chefs from Sedona restaurants are busy perfecting their special chili recipes, which can be sampled at festive booths in Tlaquepaque’s Calle de Independencia. The mayors of Sedona and Cottonwood, the Fire Chief of Sedona and Chefs from Verde Valley School are also fired up for their annual competition.
Come and cheer on your favorite “hot” chili cook-off restaurants: El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano, Café Paleo Brio, Garlands Oak Creek Lodge, Hideaway House, HP Café, Mesa Grill, Tamalisa Market, and Whole Foods, who will vie for the 2017 Restaurant Chili Championship.
There are also a number of other awards including the Restaurant Judges’ Award and Peoples’ Choice Award plus cash prizes and trophies. In addition, competing for the community’s judge choice are Sedona’s Mayor Sandy Moriarty, Cottonwoods Mayor Tim Elinski, Michael Briggs and Mike Speilman from Verde Valley School and Kris Kazian, Chief of the Sedona Fire District.
A panel of three judges, Jeff Smedstad, owner/Executive Chef of Elote, Sam Williams, chef of Garland’s Indian Gardens Café & Market, and Linda Goldenstein, owner of Goldenstein Gallery, will determine this year’s winners.
Chef Michael Briggs, who has 20 years’ experience creating healthy, organic menus, claims that his passion is to cook with raw, fresh and organic ingredients. Chef Sam Williams, head Chef at Indian Gardens in Sedona, Arizona believes good food brings a community together. Sam is known for using classic techniques and modern plating styles while showcasing the natural flavors of an ingredient. He is passionate about supporting local growers and celebrating the bounty Northern Arizona has to offer.
Proceeds from the Chili Cook-off will fund charitable Rotary programs and activities. The primary charity benefiting from this event is the Verde Valley Imagination Library, which provides a free monthly age-appropriate book to approximately 1,200 children, ages 0 to 5. Proceeds will also help fund Sedona Rotary Club’s six scholarships for high school seniors to use for the college of their choice and bring foreign exchange students to the U.S. as well as send a local student abroad.
The entrance fee is $15 with no charge for children under twelve. There is a $5 discount on event admission for parking at the Church of the Red Rocks. LOOK FOR EVENT PARKING SIGNS. Shuttle service will be provided from Church of the Red Rocks and Trolley service from Uptown.
Big thanks to major sponsors for the Great Sedona Chili Cook-off including: David H. Bill, DDS, Sedona Dental Arts, Goldenstein Gallery, University of Sedona, Azadi Rugs, John & Veronika Crawford, Roy Grimm, Paul & Mara Majane, David & Isabel Simmer, John & Andrea Terhune.
The event also features a silent auction. For more information and to bid on auction items go to: http://www.sedonarotary.org/Page/the-great-sedona-chili-cook-off