Guilford Chili Cook-off: The Results are In, and the Winner is...

It was a full house at Guilford Park and Rec's Chili Cook-off Sunday, Jan. 27. Twelve contestents entered the Chili Cook-off but it was Laurie and Patti Laterza who took home 1st prize, winning $100 Guilford Dollars. Coming in second was Pamela Mongillo, taking home $50 Guilford Dollars.

This year, kids were able to enter their own recipes in a dessert round. Four tasty treats were submitted and Mark McNamara and Noah Elmeleki won 1st prize with their Soccer Field Cake. Runners up included Finn Davidson and Megan McNamara, with some Red Velvet Balls and an Ice Box Cake.

Judges at the event included Rick Maynard, Guilford Park and Rec Director, Larry Santamaria, Kitchen Supervisor at the Community Center, Captain Mike Shove of the Guilford Fire Department, and thanks to Ellen Clow, me!

"Take Two and Call Me in the Morning," the band at the event was a huge hit. There were folks dancing from start to finish. One Guilford Patch reader posted this comment after attending the event:

The chili was great, but the band, Take Two and Call Me in the Morning, was positively on fire! Where else do they play in the area? I'd love to see them on the green in the summer.

"This is the second year running and we got a great turnout," said Rick Maynard, Guiford Park and Rec Director. "Last year we were just getting started with the event, and now we've hit our stride. Next on our list, we'll be gearing up for our Winter Wonderland event on President's Day."

After trying all of the entries at the event, I thought they were all absolutely delicious! Thank you Guilford Park and Rec for letting me part of this super fun day!