Charity Chili Contest Set for Feb. 12

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Whether you're a red-hot chili fancier or have a surefire recipe, you won't want to miss the fifth Annual Atenas Charity Chili Contest in that Central Costa Rican town Feb. 12.

Last year, proceeds from entry of no fewer than 14 cooking teams and 600 hungry attendees pushed the proceeds donated to a home for orphaned, abused or abandoned children's home to 1,700,000 colones, according to organizers.

The contest will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. It is to be held at Quinta Romavista in Barrio Mercedes, which is two kilometers off the road to Monte Aguacate (the old Orotina-Alajuela highway),  All proceeds go to Hogar de Vida children's refuge.

Organizers expect an expanded entry of about 25 teams this year. Contest rules and map to find Quinta Romavista are to the found at the Atenas Charity Chili Cook Off web page. Entry is free but it is best to get your entry form in as soon as possible.

This is one of the most democratic events we have seen in a long time. In addition to the decisions by three top expert judges, there is a "People's Choice Award" given by the public consuming the chili of the various teams.

This contest is an event for a heart-warming cause that may also give the unwary heartburn. Although the judges will have just the basic chili to be qualified in terms of aroma, color, taste, after-taste (in wine competition also known as finish) and consistency, the public will have toppings such as cheese or onions available. Bon apetite.