The 2011 New England Regional Chili Cook Off is in the record books!
It was a beautiful day in Somers,CT. There was a brief thunder storm that the cooks and public weathered.
We had a lot of cooks! 10 new ICS cooks and VIP’s included ICS Champions Bob Hall from IL, Jerry Buma from MA and Judi Omerza from PA and we were all so glad to see Vickie Marnick from FL.
Judging was done in a big building and over seen by 1997 ICS Red Chili World Champion Steve Falkowski and score keeping was over seen by Audrey Falkowski. They were assisted by Mary Alice and Mike Kropp and Johanna and Nick Loddo…..and a few ladies from our local bank/sponsor helped as well.
So many NERCC stories…..the Buma clan had 3 generations cooking with Jerry and his daughter Vickie cooked in the ICS competitions and Max competed in the “Jim Heywood Yute division”. Marc Frechette competed against 2 of his sons…then there was the Navaroli crew with Scott and his niece Shannon Cain competed in the ICS comp’s and Scott’s son “Flyin Brian” competed in the “Jim Heywood Yute division”.
Shotgun starts and turn in’s echoed through out the scenic valley, the non profit’s, the Somers (CT) FD and the Patriot Guard Riders were very pleased with the day’s events. One of my personal highlights was the Flag Line complete with close to forty flags and 2 singers singing the national anthem backed up by the wonderful Patriot Brass band.
Ok…on to the winners:
Best Booth - Reading (MA) Hot Chili Peppers (Firefighters)
Best Booth - Reading (MA) Hot Chili Peppers (Firefighters)
People’s Choice – Alison and Mario Sacciccio CT
“Jim Heywood Yute division” – Max Tankis
Salsa -
3rd – Jason Frechette – CT
2nd – Fran Bergami – CT
1st place and Representing the New England Regional at the 2011 WCCC Wendy Hennesey – NH (first time going to the WCCC)
Chili Verde –
3rd Place – Linda McGrath CT
2nd place – Mike Scranton NJ
1st place and and Representing the New England Regional at the 2011 WCCC Steven Stark – MA (first time going to the WCCC)
Red Chili -
4th Marc Frechette – CT
3rd Patrick Sweeney – CT
2nd Bob Hall – IL
1st place and Representing the New England Regional at the 2011 WCCC Judi Omerza – PA
Thank you to everyone who cooked,helped,judged and came to support the New England Regional at the 2011 WCCC.
Our date’s next year are 4-28& 29-2012…yes…a back to back/2 day NERCC! SIX chances to qualify for the WCCC! More info to follow.