2nd Annual North Fork Chili Cookoff Heats Up Sunday

PECONIC, NY — On a brisk winter day, what's better than a piping hot bowl of chili?

Chefs from local eateries will face off Sunday at Greenport Harbor Brewery's 2nd Annual North Fork Chili Cook-Off, which takes place at the Peconic location at 42155 Main Road from noon to 4 p.m.

This year, 10 chefs will be competing for first place in the popular event.

"Last year’s event was so successful — and delicious — we decided to make it an annual event," said John Liegey, owner and co-founder of GHBC.

This year’s participants include 1943 Pizza Bar, American Beech, Ammiratis of Love Lane, Bay Breeze Inn, Crazy Beans Restaurant, First & South, Green Hill Kitchen, Grace and Grit, Jennie’s at Drossos and Love Lane Kitchen.

Participants will be vying for two awards, the Judge’s Choice Award plus the People’s Choice Award, voted upon by all those who attend.

Members of Greenport Brewery’s staff will also be participating with their own chili recipes and vying for the People’s Choice Award.

“All the participants are taking their chili very seriously. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. No doubt it will be difficult for the judges to pick a winner," said Richard Vandenburgh, owner and co-founder.

Special judges this year include Claudia Fleming, James Beard award winning pastry chef and owner of Southold’s North Table and Inn; Cheryl Stair, owner and chef of Art of Eating event planning and catering; Taylor Knapp; chef at PAWPAW, the popular pop-up hosted by Bruce & Son in Greenport and founder of Cutchogue's Peconic Escargot; Ian Wile, 2018’s North Fork Chili Cook-Off winner and the owner of Little Creek Oysters; and a special surprise judge.

Tickets cost $15 and include entry into the event plus chili sampling. They are available on-line only here.

Patch photos of last year's event courtesy Greenport Harbor Brewery.