Smokin' Hot Chili Cookoff at Rocco's

Marietta’s Rocco's Pub once again played host to the annual ICS-sanctioned Georgia State Chili Cook-off on Saturday, allowing chefs from all over the state to put their best chili to the test. , known for its own chili and flavorful sauces, has been a past winner. Rocco’s now serves as a permanent host of the event and donates net proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Chief judge Lane Blair explains that a prize-winning chili is judged according to five qualities: appearance, smells, texture of meat and how it absorbs the flavor, overall balance of flavor and aftertaste.

Adding to the atmosphere of the day was good music, great people and a bright sun throughout the day. Adding to the inspiriation, the 1st place winner took home $1000.00 and a trophy. This year's winners:

1st place: Georgia Wellers

2nd place: Jim Wellers (Georgia's husband and close chili competitor)

People's Choice: Dean and Tony