Final Note On The Controversial ‘Chili Challenge’

As many of you know, the Soup & Chili Bowl  in Cold Spring last Saturday, wasn't just a competition for local restaurants and soup or chili experts.  It was also the third year that Peter K and I have had our personal 'chili challenge'.  My chili won each of the first two.

A funny thing happened this year, however.  With nearly 300 total votes - the chili challenge ended in a tie. Unbelievable!  No really, it is unbelievable, and I have my suspicions.

First of all, PK was telling people for weeks that my chili is basically just cans of Hormel.  I would like to officially say that is completely false.  In fact, no cans of chili were used at all.  Just natural things that are supposed to be in chili; ground beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, celery, various seasonings, etc.  My chili is a "traditional" chili - whereas Peter K's chili is a) mostly beer, and b) very runny/watery, but what do you expect when your chili is just; beer, beans, and bacon.  YUCK!

Another suspicious element of Saturday night was that intern Justin was there assisting us in the MIX tent, and was CLEARLY kissing Peter K's BACKSIDE, ALL NIGHT LONG!  I understand the boss/intern relationship, I get it.  You have to kiss up a little, but come on!  Intern Justin was a little too "involved" in the competition, for a kid that PK and I just met.  I'm pretty sure he was trying to persuade the people which way to vote....and it wasn't my way.

Finally, Jen Jacobs was the ONLY ONE THAT COUNTED THE VOTES.  What is that all about?  Not that I don't trust Jen, but I don't really trust anyone.  I mean, she's not MY PARTNER EVERY MORNING, if you know what I'm saying!

If I sound a little bitter still, it's because I am.  Starving dogs would not eat his chili if it were sitting in a bowl made of milkbones.

I felt like Michael Dukakis when he said of George Bush, "I can't believe it's even close with me and this guy."

Next year we are installing cameras to watch the ballot box, for sure.