Photo left to right: Chef Greg Koss, Up the Creek Grill (Peoples Choice Award), and Chef Patrick Jochim, Steaks and Sticks Restaurant & Bar at Los Abrigados (Judges Award).

Sedona AZ (May 4, 2013) – Saturday saw more than 1,000 chili enthusiasts flock to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, to help determine the best chili in the area and to support the Rotary Club of Sedona’s community projects.

Fourteen of the area’s best chefs competed for the coveted “Judges” and “Peoples Choice” awards. And the winners are?

Steaks and Sticks Restaurant & Bar at Los Abrigados entry ‘Triple Amenaza Chili’ was awarded the Judges Award for the best chili; second runner up was Barking Frog Grille and Up the Creek Grill received the third place award.

The Judges Award was decided by a distinguished panel including Patrick Schweiss, Leslie Hunt, and Sedona Fire District Fire Chief Kris Kazian.

Garnering the most ballots for the People’s Choice Trophy was Up the Creek Grill with its winning entry, Canyon Country Chili; second runner up went to Schoolhouse Restaurant while Steak and Sticks Restaurant & Bar at Los Abrigados placed third with the people. The spirited balloting lasted four hours while chili lovers of all ages tasted and debated the merits of a wide variety of spicy chili.

Funds raised from the Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off support local and international Rotary service projects including the Imagination Library Program and End Polio Now Campaign.

The Rotary Club of Sedona meets every Tuesday noon at the Barking Frog Grille. The club’s mission is to enhance community through service, teamwork and friendship.

This SedonaEye.com article written and submitted by Charles Marr.

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