12th Annual Chili Cook Off Coming To Proving Ground In Highlands, New Jersey
Who will take the crowns for the best chili this Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Highlands Business District’s 12th Annual chili Cook-Off at Proving Ground on Shrewsbury Avenue In Highlands, New Jersey?
My friend Joseph N. is hoping for a big win in the amateur competition. Joe and his wife Rosie competed last year and missed the People’s Choice award by just a hair. Not bad for passionate foodies.
There will be two Chili Cook Off contests. The “Professional” Cook Off (commercial) will begin at 4PM sharp and the “Amateur” Cook Off (residents) will begin promptly at 5PM.
According to the Highlands website:
There will be performances by bag pipe bands and Daly’s Irish Dancers. All proceeds will benefit the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, taking place on March 23th, 2PM, step off at Huddy Park Highlands, NJ. There will be two Chili Cook Off contests. The “Professional” Cook Off (commercial) will begin at 4PM sharp and the “Amateur” Cook Off (residents) will begin promptly at 5PM. Once the chili lovers have tasted all contestants’ chili, they will vote for their favorite and drop their ballot in the ballot box. The results will be tallied and the winners will be announced at 5:30 PM. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each contest. In addition to the People’s Choice, there will be an independent panel of judges.
This venue has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible. For additional information, please call 732-291-4713.
Voted a top-rated waterfront restaurant in New Jersey
Proving Ground Water Front Dining has amassed a lot of awards over the last several years, including Asbury Park Press -Best Brunch, best Wings, and Best Happy Hour. Also nailing Open Table’s “Diner’s Choice Award” for 2019,2020, 2021,2022, and 2023.
If you think your chili is competition worthy and you want in on this chili cook-off: here are the chili contest rules:
There is a $10 entry fee and you are required to pre-register and make a minimum of 3 lbs of chili. Chili must be presented in a sanitary crock-pot or similar pot and served at a temperature of 180 degrees.
Chili tasting cups, spoons, and napkins will be provided. You must bring your own fixings such as cheese, scallions or any other garnish you wish to present with your sample. We recommend that you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the contest in order to set up your area. We will be registering a maximum of twelve Amateur Chili Cooks (residential) and twelve (Commercial) Chili Cooks.
If you are interested in entering, please complete the registration HERE and mail with $10 payment to HBP, St. Patrick’s Fundraiser, 140 Bay Avenue, Highlands, NJ 07732.
For additional information, please call 732-291-4713. Registration is CLOSED on February 21, 2024 at 11:00 PM, no exceptions.
Spectators can buy tickets here.
