NYC Chili Bowl Returns To Inwood: Bragging Rights And A Good Cause

INWOOD, NY — Break out your largest pots as New York City's premiere chili contest is returning to Inwood next month.

The 7th Annual NYC Chili Bowl will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 12 at the Good Shepherd School at 620 Isham St.

Dubbed Manhattan's "only chili cook off," each year the event attracts the finest chilis from all over the city as hundreds of participants vote for their favorite and crown a winner.

Admission for adults is $10 and $5 for children under 10. There will be all you can eat chili, refreshments, craft beer, and pastries.

Fundraising from the event will go to the Cabrini Immigrant Services Food Pantry at the Church of the Good Shepard, which provides weekly free food, scholarship funds, and legal and social services.

The pantry feeds over 4,000 people a month.

The NYC Chili Bowl was started by a group of local uptown neighbors that "wanted to do something to be of service, have fun and bring the community together," event organizer Thomas R. Bosco told Patch.

There are generally four sets of winners announced each year: People's Choice, Best Vegetarian/Vegan, Judge's Choice, and Best Team Spirit.

If you think you have what it takes to be crowned a chili champion, or just want to take part in the culinary fun, you can enter the cook off contest by emailing jrnatt@gmail.com by Nov. 5.

Beware, though, creating the perfect pot of chili does not come without its dangers, just ask Kevin from The Office.