Nov. 1 Chili Cook-Off to benefit youth scholarship fund

Cleveland Heights will present its annual Chili Cook-Off, benefiting the Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 6–8 p.m. The event brings together challengers from a variety of Heights eateries to compete for chili superiority.

All proceeds go to the Cleveland Heights Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to young people participating in city-sponsored sports and recreation programs.

Attendees will sample chili from the competitors and vote for their favorites. For a suggested donation of $10 per person or $30 for a family of four, guests will receive a variety of chilis, sides, desserts and beverages. This year’s event will also include raffle items, a special children’s menu, and access to a children’s playroom and an adult gym.

This year’s competition is open to entries from individuals, in addition to restaurants, and will feature recipes from some CH City Council members and Recreation Advisory Board members. Anyone who would like to participate in the chili competition is invited to contact Susan Ford at 216-789-2987, by Friday, Oct. 31.

A new category has also been added this year, in which the CH Police and Fire departments will go head-to-head for chili bragging rights. “We have so many enthusiastic and wonderful participants this year. It means so much to the Recreation Advisory Board to have such strong support from the Cleveland Heights community,” said Susan Ford, member of the Recreation Advisory Board and one of the event’s organizers.

As of Oct. 28, the following restaurants and food purveyors were slated to compete: Brennan's Colony, Inn on Coventry, New Heights Grill, Pizza House, The Rib Cage, Tommy's, and Whole Foods.

The Chili Cook-Off will be held at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd., at the corner of Monticello Boulevard and Mayfield Road. For more information, contact Mark Vasiloff at 216-691-7265.