Enter The Middletown Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser, Held Feb. 16.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Think you have a great chili recipe? Put it to the test as the Middletown Arts Center challenges amateur chefs to enter their Art of Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser.

The contest will be held Sunday, February 16 from 12-2 p.m., inside the Middletown Arts Center, located at 36 Church Street. Contestants must prepare in advance a minimum of eight quarts of chili (any style!), but no toppings or garnishes – your chili must stand on its own as you compete for the celebrity judges and the People’s Choice Award.

Celebrity judges determine 1st ($100), 2nd ($75), and 3rd ($50) places, as well as best restaurant chili (yes, some restaurants will be competing, but that's why they have their own category).

All entrants will compete for the People’s Choice Award ($100). Cash prizes are courtesy of Brightview Senior Living in Holmdel.

Judges include journalist Brian Donohue of redbankgreen.com, renowned private chef Matt Collins, editor of JerseyBites.com Deborah Smith, News 12 reporter Lauren Due, private chef/Food Network Chopped champion Lauren Covas and New Jersey state senator Declan O’Scanlon.

Competing restaurants include The Robinson Ale House (Red Bank), The Local Diner & Bakery (Farmingdale), Monty’s BBQ (Atlantic Highlands), Windmill (Long Branch), and Broad Street Diner (Keyport).

To enter, please submit your contact info and the type of chili you are making to tj.middletownartscenter@gmail.com. The entry fee is $25, checks can be made out to the Middletown Arts Center and sent to 36 Church Street, Middletown NJ 07748. If you’d like to pay by credit card please call 732.706.4100. Space is limited!

Tickets for the Art of Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser are $15, which include a tasting kit to sample all the chilis and a vote in the People’s Choice Award. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15. Visit middletownarts.org or call 732.706.4100.

Event sponsors include Brightview Senior Living, Community Appliance, Cozy Corner Bakery, Alliance Orthopedic, Brown’s Heating & Cooling, Monmouth Meats and The Ridiculous Farm.

The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown train station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in station metered lot on weekday evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends.