Battle of the Chefs: Chili Smackdown to spice up Wooster Oct. 12

Fall is in the air, and when the weather turns chilly, it’s the perfect time for chili. Grab a sweater and head downtown Sunday, Oct. 12 to support the Boys and Girls Club of Wooster and local chefs by attending the Battle of the Chefs: Chili Smackdown. The ticketed event will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at JAFB, 120 Beall Ave., Wooster. The cost is $60 per ticket, and attendees must be age 21 or over.

The chili-tasting event will feature a lineup of local chefs and support Project Chop, a partnership between the Boys and Girls Club and Local Roots Market and Café. The collaboration, through a grant from the Wayne County Community Foundation, was created to help provide fresh, nutritious lunches and snacks for kids participating in club programs.

The event was the brainchild of Kate Frichtl, Local Roots community engagement coordinator. 

“Last winter,” Frichtl said, “I started thinking about ways to both support and showcase our many talented chefs while also engaging the community and giving back to a local charity.”

Because Local Roots was already involved in the partnership of Project Chop, the Boys and Girls Club seemed like a perfect fit for a food event.

“We also love collaborating with other small downtown businesses,” Frichtl said. “And when Paul (from JAFB) offered the use of his brewery, it was a no-brainer. I love that he’s even closing the alley behind the building so we can spread out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. And, of course, nothing pairs better with chili and beer than the Browns/Steelers game, which will be aired live on the brewery TVs.”

Rules stipulate all chili must be made from scratch, highlighting local ingredients whenever possible.

“This is not a bring your own Crock-Pot cook-off," Frichtl said. "All chili will be made by professional chefs, each serving their own unique, from-scratch recipe with creative toppings.”

It is anticipated there will be at least a couple of vegan chilis among the entrees. Organizers encourage everyone to purchase tickets ahead of time to aid the chefs in planning for and preparing quantities. See details and buy tickets at www.localrootswooster.com/chili-smackdown.

The Boys and Girls Club is a nonprofit organization providing before- and after-school programs to school-age children in Wooster. It welcomes community volunteers who have interests and/or skills to share. Find information at www.bgcwooster.org/volunteer/.

The community also is invited to continue to support the Boys and Girls Club of Wooster by attending its Make a Difference Gala on Friday, Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Greystone Event Center. More information can be found at www.bgcwooster.org.

Additionally, the club’s adopt-a-family holiday project allows community members and area businesses to help club families during the holiday season. To participate, sign up for the club newsletter at www.bgcwooster.org.

“We welcome anyone to come out and take a tour of our club and see what we do and the impact we have on local youth," said Jon Hutchison, CEO of the Wooster club.

As of Sept. 22, participating chefs for the Chili Smackdown include The Pierogi People, Oma Gourd, chef Murza, Big D's Soul-B-Q, chef Bala, The Curry Pot, Andio Sisters, Chef William Creations, chef Brittany "Jack" Sinnema-Schrock, Lasua Nigerian Cuisine, Cucina Di DeSimone, [VEGE]table — chef Joie Schmitz and Global Traditions.

“With multiple international chefs participating, we can definitely expect some creative and unexpected flavor fusions," Frichtl said. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the variety. It won’t just be your traditional beef chili. But it's all a surprise, so you will have to buy a ticket to see for yourself.”