The Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off held at the Holiday Inn Boston-Bunker Hill last week brought out the best of chili chefs to compete for bragging rights, while helping to raise funds for Respond Inc.

By Jackson Ellison

Chefs all over Massachusetts came together on Thursday, January 24, at the Holiday Inn Boston-Bunker Hill to compete in the Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off presented by Respond Inc. The goal of the cook-off was to help raise money for Respond’s mission of putting an end to domestic violence.

The chili cook-off had four different awards: best classic, best vegetarian, most creative, and audience favorite.

The cook-off had fourteen teams, all wanting to win, but also wishing to bring attention to such an important cause. Matt Alvey, a chef from the Somerville restaurant The Independent believes the chili cook-off really brings the community together.

“We’ve been involved since the start of this, and it’s a really good cause. It’s a fun event and you get to meet all your neighbors and eat a bunch of chili,” said Alvey.

Chef Patrick Lord, from Stella’s Restaurant and Wine Bar in Salem, participated for his third straight year, and has had success with his past chilies.

“The last two years I’ve won the veggie chili [award] so that’s why I’ve come back to try to win it again this year,” Lord said, “but I brought another [chili] along as well, I’ve brought a beer-braised beef short rib.”

— Photos by Jackson Ellison

One Brick Boston helped put the event on, One Brick is an organization that provides volunteers to other non-profits. Graham Porell, who is involved with One Brick Boston explained the goal of the organization.

“The idea is to create a community of volunteers, so it’s a great way to give back, a great way to try new things, and a great way to get to know other people,” Porell said.

This was the third year that One Brick helped put on the Chili cook-off, Porell says Respond is a great organization with an important cause.

“I think it’s a critical time to have organizations like them, helping women who are dealing with domestic violence issues,” Porell said.

Janeen Blake, the president of the board of directors for Respond, addressed the room, and thanked everyone who has helped raise money for the charity.

“Respond cannot do the work that they do without your support” said Blake, “It really takes a community to get everything done.”

Blake also made it known that any contribution, helps the victims of domestic abuse.

“Your contributions no matter how big or small, they really go to help Respond to shelter, to support, to educate, and to empower all survivors of domestic violence,” said Blake.

At the end of the night the winners were announced: Dakzen won most creative, Harvard Gardens won best classic, the Holiday Inn won best vegetarian, and Sound Bites won crowd favorite.

The event drew over 150 guests.