Community Corner

Forest Hills Rotary Holds Chili Cook-Off Sunday

There are 12 people competing this year in the annual community event.

Forest Hills Rotary Club is holding a community fundraiser Sunday with its annual Chili Cook-Off, featuring hot competition and celebrity judge

Lenore Wetzel, winner of the first cook-off five years ago, said the event is the reason she joined Forest Hills Rotary.

“It’s a great time,” she said. “Everyone has a blast and decorates their chili tables. You can meet a lot of people and all the fire guys and police will be there.”

Find out what's happening in Forest Hills-Regent Squarewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The cook-off begins at noon this Sunday at the Forest Hills Westinghouse Lodge Recreation Center on Greensburg Pike. Wetzel said 12 people will be competing for the title of champion chili cooker. Competitors provided descriptions of their dishes:

  • Christ Lutheran (Charlene Schorr) - "Chicken and Black Bean Chili" - Medium heat. Contains chicken (all white meat), peppers, black beans, and corn.
  • - "Spirited Chicken Chili" - Mild chipotle; medium heat to peak your taste.
  • Earl Edwards - "Earl's Sweet Heat" - Sweet, tasty, spicy
  • 2010-2011 Rotary District Governor, Cynthia Sakala (Burrell Area Rotary Club) - "Smoked Turkey Chili" - Loaded with locally grown and smoked turkey from Pound's Turkey Farm; lots of vegetables and beans.
  • Joseph Amorelli - "Joe's Melt In Your Mouth Chili" - A spicy traditional chili with a secret sweet twist.
  •  - "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" - My wife isn't blonde, but I ain't no gentleman.
  • Faith George (Juniper Village) - "Cowgirl Chili" - Steamy hot, slightly sophisticated, and downright delicious! 
  • Jason Montedoro (Juniper Village) - "Cowboy Chili"
  • Sean O'Connor - "Sean's Zesty Chipotle Chili" This steamy pot of stew will have you walking away satisfied as it has the perfect combination of texture, aroma, and natural flavor with just the right amount of spice to make this chili one you won't forget. 
  •  - "Cherub's Choice" - Medium-hot, smokey bacon chili.
  • D'Imperio's Restaurant - "Hot Chick Chili" (featuring chick peas amongst other secret ingredients)
  • "Drew's Chili"

The Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring beer and beverages, with proceeds going back to the organization. Other funds raised that day also will go towards the Woodland Hills School District, Forest Hills Police Department and other community organizations.

Find out what's happening in Forest Hills-Regent Squarewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“There also will be a K9 demonstration at 3 p.m.,” Wetzel said. “You get a chance to see the type of work they do on a daily basis.”

Music and entertainment will be provided along with a Chinese auction. Woodland Hills High School students will provide face painting and activities for children.

This is the fifth annual chili cook-off for the rotary club.

“It’s a milestone mark this year,” Wetzel said.

Fennimore will judge each pot of chili through a blind taste test, choosing the grand champion at the end of his rounds.

“We also go around as members and award someone the best in show and then the people who attend have a vote as well,” Wetzel said.

With the vote from the people attending, the “People’s Choice” chili will be chosen. Wetzel said she is looking forward to the fun and creativity that comes along with the event this year.

“People go really crazy with the decoration of their tables, too,” she said.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Forest Hills-Regent Square