'We're foodies. We always win,' Swagger from Chili Cookoff Contestant

For $5, you can taste perhaps 60 chilies of every shape and texture at the Chili Winter Warm-Up. The Feb. 19 event will give people a chance to compare restaurant chili, chilis from local non-profit groups, from schools and from "others."

"Not too hot. I'd rather be able to sit down and enjoy it," said one-time winner Demetrios Lalos Jr. at DeLavinia's Deli, 2 East Hayestown Road. Lalos can taste victory. "I hope so. I'm trying."

He hasn't made the final decision yet, but he's considering turkey chili. For people who like it hotter, Lalos will probably bring along his mango habanero salsa and his pineapple habanero salsa. Both are temple-dripping hot. Remarkable.

It isn't a good idea to try all 60 chilis, said Michael Malone, chief operating officer of the Danbury Westerners, who sponsors the event with CityCenter Danbury and the Danbury Ice Arena, where it takes place.

"I had all 60 the first year. I didn't eat for a day. Two days," Malone said.

The Chili Winter Warm-Up from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 provides fun for families where there will be a series of activities for young and old; including chili sampling, skating at the rink, (discount rate); face painting, coloring, clowns, live music from Dave King, Standby and the Mad Hatters. Cost is $5 a person or $15 a family which includes the discounted skating for those 12 and under.

Malone said he isn't sure how the warmer than average winter will effect the event. He thinks people will still sign up and attend, but they're waiting until the last moment.

"We pack that area on the day of the event. It's hard to add extras to it," Malone said. One extra under consideration is a pie contest next year in addition to the chili. Not a lock just yet.

"We win. Every year we win," said Darci Angarano, regional property manager with Crown Point at the Reserve in Danbury. Angarano said the event helps remind people about a luxury housing option at exit 1 on I-84 in Danbury.

One year, Crown Point and Angarano won with a green chili verde chili, one year with a smoked brisket chili. "We're not sure this year," Arganano said. "We like to help out the Westerners. We're foodies. We know we can win."