Chili lovers from across the country recently gathered for the professionally sanctioned 2-day chili cook-off hosted by Man’s Man Chili in Merrillville.
With over 50 chili recipes sampled and judged, one of the highlights came from two local rising stars.
Students from the Hammond Area Career Center competed in the youth division. They earned top honors and secured their spot in the International Chili Society World Championship Chili Cook-Off.
This year’s cook-off was the first to feature a youth division in partnership with the Indiana Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. The Hammond Area Career Center students’ creations stood out among a competitive field of young chefs.
“Culinary students Jorge Lopez and Marco Ocampo brought their A-game and truly impressed the judges with their creativity and flavor,” said Chef Jack Velazquez, Hammond Area Career Center culinary arts instructor, in a press release. “They’ve worked hard honing their skills, and to see them qualify for a world championship is incredibly rewarding—not just for them, but for our entire culinary program.”
Attendees enjoyed live music, unique chili blends and a community atmosphere. Proceeds collected benefited the St. Jude House in Crown Point.
NWI Chili Cook-Off ICS winners include:
- Youth Homestyle Champion: Jorge Lopez, Gary, IN (trophy belt)
- Homestyle: Chrissy Atwood, Shelbyville, IN (trophy belt)
- Vegetarian: Judith Omerza, Wilkes-Barre, PA (engraved Dalstrong chop knife)
- Verde: Trent Atwood, Shelbyville, IN (trophy belt)
- Red: Ross Pope, Westfield, WI (trophy belt)
- Farthest Traveled: Judith Omerza, Wilkes-Barre, PA (Igloo IMX cooler)
- People’s Choice: Briana Posley, Crown Point, IN (duel burner camp stove)
Interstate I-65 Chili Cook-off ICS winners include:
- Youth Homestyle Champion: Marco Ocampo, Hammond, IN (trophy belt)
- Homestyle: Kevin Seese, Byron Center, MI (trophy belt)
- Vegetarian: Julie Netser, Seymour, IN (engraved Dalstrong chop knife)
- Verde: Mike Umiak, Chicago, IL (trophy belt)
- Red: Gail Donovan, Cincinnati, OH (trophy belt)
- Farthest Traveled: Team Virant (Greg & Lynn), Omaha, NE (Igloo IMX cooler)
- People’s Choice: Kevin Seese, Byron Center, MI (duel burner camp stove)
The International Chili Society World Championship Chili Cook-Off will take place Oct. 16-19 in Indianapolis. The championship will feature amateur and professional chili cooks from around the globe.
