Frankfort Chili Cook-off a Hot Hit on a Winter Day

A mild winter day was spiced up Sunday, as more than a dozen contestants dished out their attempts to take top prize at Frankfort’s Winter on the Green Chili Cook-off.

A crowd of 300 turned out to sample and critique mild, medium or spicy varieties prepared from favorite chili recipes. Prizes were awarded for first, second and third place, and “Crowd Pleaser”. The annual event, the fifth in a series of six Winter on the Green events and co-sponsored by the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce, is always a crowd favorite.

So who won?

• First Prize: Joshua Westerman of Tinley Park (contestant #5)
• Second Prize: Gabriel Bultick of Frankfort (contestant #8)
• Third Prize: Brittany Archer of Bourbonnais (contestant #12)
• Crowd Pleaser: Gabriel Bultinck of Frankfort (contestant #8)

Judges were Don Melton, owner of Build a Bun in Frankfort, Matt Griseta, chef at White Street Café in Frankfort, and Teffini Chiuso of All Aboard in Frankfort for their efforts to taste chili from the contestants.

“The Chili Cook-Off is always a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with the bonus to taste great chili! Thanks to everyone for their participation,” said Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland. ”Congratulations to all the winners”,

The Winter on the Green series continues this Sunday, February 15 1 to 3 PM with the final “Valentines’ Weekend”. For a complete listing of the events, the Village website www.villageoffrankfort.com.