We’re just on the edge of spring here in Birmingham, but there’s still a chill in the air. Nothing beats the cold like a bowl of hot chili, and The Exceptional Foundation is about to host their 15th Annual MortgageBanc Chili Cook-Off right here in town. This family-friendly event always draws a hungry crowd, and it has become the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The money earned benefits individuals with special needs, so come out and warm your body and soul.
WHEN AND WHERE
The Chili Cook-Off will be held in the Macy’s parking lot at the Brookwood Village mall on March 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. There will be live music in the air, a kid zone, face painting, beverages, and more.
If you find a chili that you truly love, you can put that team’s name in the ballot jar. Companies from all around Birmingham cook their very best in this heated competition. Last year’s Grand Prize winner was IBERIABANK, and the People’s Choice went to CBRE.
Chili is one of those wonderful dishes that varies from cook to cook. Some like it spicy, some like it a little sweet. This year, over 140 teams will be stewing up the hot stuff, so bring your appetite and brace for the heat.
DID YOU KNOW?
When chili was first introduced into the American culinary landscape, it may have tasted very different than your go-to family recipe. In the 1800s, enterprising women would set up open-air food stands in the plazas of San Antonio, serving up hot meals to the lively crowds that congregated there each night. One of their most popular dishes was carne con chile, a piquant stew of meat and peppers. In the original recipes, beans were served on the side, never cooked-in.
Today, chili tastes different everywhere you go. In Cincinnati, it resembles spaghetti sauce, and on the East Coast, they serve it on hot dogs. What better way is there to taste all the varieties of this dish than all at once at a cook-off!
GET YOUR TICKETS
You can order tickets in advance right HERE with a $10 donation. Tickets will also be available at the entrance during the event for a $15 donation (cash or check only). Children 10 years old and under may enter for free.
You might also like: Best Birmingham Barbecue Spots
LIMBAUGH TOYOTA
If you’re hungry for a real deal, we’re always serving fresh, hot savings at Limbaugh Toyota! When you’ve had all the chili you can handle, come by and see our expansive stock of new and pre-owned vehicles. Our dealership is conveniently located at 2200 Avenue T in Birmingham, and drivers in the Magic City and beyond are always welcome to drop by for a test drive. Customer service is our specialty, and you may be surprised by how affordable it really is to drive home in a new Toyota. While you’re here, feel free to ask about our special offers.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.