Pleasanton Woman Snags Blue Ribbon at Dublin Chili Competition

A Pleasanton woman joined the ranks of proud blue ribbon winners of Dublin’s annual farmers’ market chili competition at Emerald Glen Park on Sept. 11.

Christina Gray’s “Free Chili” beat out three other spicy entries submitted by Tri-Valley residents at the popular food competition. The creative chili creations varied from the traditional to smoky, spicy, tangy and vegetarian versions.

Gray, who has lived in Pleasanton since 2001, says this was her first time entering a food competition. She describes her recipe as “gluten-free, dairy-free, casein-free, egg-free, corn-free and soy-free.”

Gray currently has her own food blog and is working on her first book that specializes in recipes safe for those with food allergies. Gray walked away with title of chili extraordinaire, along with a gift certificate to her favorite local restaurant courtesy of the City of Dublin.

The three contest judges included Dublin councilmembers Don Biddle, Abe Gupta and Dublin Patch Editor Autumn Johnson.

Photo above: Pleasanton resident Christina Gray. Photo below: Contestants and judges of the third annual chili competition at Dublin Farmers’ Market. Photo credit: Autumn Johnson