Some like it hot – others hotter! This year’s Great Sedona Chili Cook-off may be the hottest event yet! As the attendance has grown, the competition for the best chili becomes more competitive. Sample chili from top chefs and community leaders as they vie for the coveted first place award. Each recipe has been created with secret ingredients, and the owners will not divulge the recipe – although you can try asking.
Count on Creekside American Bistro, El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, Steakhouse 89, Tamaliza and Vino di Sedona to participate as well as Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty, Cottonwood Mayor Tim Elinski, Sedona Interim Fire Chief Jayson Coil and Clarkdale City Council Member Scott Buckley. This year’s judges include Linda Goldenstein, owner of Goldenstein Gallery, Joe Rodgers, chef for Indian Gardens Café and Jeff Smedstad, chef of Elote.
In conjunction with Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta celebration, the Rotary Club of Sedona’s Ninth Annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-off happens on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included in the festivities are a silent auction, beer and wine garden, and fun activities for the kids. Listen to the music of mariachi musicians, and fall in step with Folklorico dancers. Proceeds from the event benefit youth programs that recognize middle and high school students for their leadership skills and academic achievements.
Admission to the Chili Cook-Off is $15. Children under 12 attend free. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ. For more information, visit sedonarotary.org or tlaq.com.
