Grumpy's Chili Cookoff Draws Crowd in Spite of Rain

A gentle but steady rain couldn't douse the fire and spirit behind a chili cookoff contest at Tuesday night.

"We have 15 or more contestants and some brought two or three chilis," restaurant owner Mike Grimm (aka Grumpy) said as the competition began at 6 p.m. under circus-like tents in the parking lot.

That's nearly twice as many contestants as the first cookoff, held the end of last year under nicer weather, he said. He hoped the showers would not stop the flow of customers who wanted to sample the fare and contribute $5 to the

Named for Adam Recke of Bethlehem Township, the foundation raises money to help find a cause and treatment for his affliction: Niemann-Pick Type C, a rare degenerative neural disease with no cure.  Authorities say fewer than 200 people in the United States have the disease which causes fatty buildups in the liver, brain and other organs, which can be fatal.

Grimm doesn't know Adam but said many of the family's supporters are regular patrons, including bikers who participate in an annual "Ride for Adam."

Also, Grumpy's has won its share of chili contests too and enjoys playing host.  "My chili has beef, cumin, classic flavors, not too hot," Grimm said. "I like to think of a cowboy on the range and what would be in his chili."

Contestants at this year's cook-off came up with quite the varieties.  Take Ori Handwerk's "Jamaican Jerk" chili, for example, with black and kidney beans and hot Italian sausage.  Or, Christopher Cole's "Short rib Mole'" with chocolate, espresso undertones.  And, his girlfriend Emily Brown's white chili with turkey, tomatillos, jalepenos and corn flower as a thickener.

Those first-timers were up against some veteran contest winners, including Susan Gilio of Whitehall, whose more traditional hamburger-style chili has taken the prize at competitions in Macungie, Bethlehem and elsewhere for several years in a row.

"Learn your area," she advises. "Spice accordingly."

Wendy Keim of Neffs, who took second place at Grumpy's cookoff last year, brought enough chili to suit Goldilocks and the three bears. She labeled them: mild, hot and "There goes my a.."

The mild version, also dubbed "Mr. Black Magic," usually contains steak but she left that out this time because it's difficult to get chunks of steak into the small sample cups.

Among those who came to sample and contribute to the cause were Grumpy regulars Kim Hillegass of Breinigsville and Ralph Kane of Schnecksville. 

"It's a good cause," Kane said.  "A shame it's raining," she added.

Celebrity judge Les Houck, a vice president for 2nd Story Blues Alliance, said he's qualified to judge, as a former owner of a fiery snack food company and as a Penn State master gardener.

"Chili peppers are more nutritious than many people think," he said. "They have more vitamin C than citrus fruits and more Vitamin A than carrots."

When asked his qualifications to judge, "Big Daddy" Rick Michael of Hawk 99.9 radio, offered simply: "I like to eat."

The friendly fires of competition were to burn until 8 p.m. with awards given to contestants taking first, second, third, People's Choice and Judge's Choice categories.

Grimm hopes the event grows each year and attracts enough supporters to be held off-site. Co-sponsors were Keystone Harley Davidson and Platnum Plus.

Last year’s champ, George Rocchino of Orefield attended but didn’t enter.  Sizing up the increased competition, he said, “I’m coming back strong next year.” 

Here are the winners:

Judges

• Jeff Hartpence, first
• Billy Milne, second 

People's Choice

• Billy Milne and Ori Handwerk, first place tie
• Wendy Keim and Dave Sweeney, second place tie
• Wendy Keim, third place