Competition ‘Heated’ At Cafe Saint-Ex's Memorial Day Chili Cook-Off… Cork’s Ron Tanaka & The Copper Pot’s Stefano Frigerio Take Top Honors!

U STREET -- With freshly squeezed lemonade being served-up, burgers on the grill, live music, and the sound of children’s laughter echoing throughout the neighborhood, it was as patriotic a Memorial Day celebration as any. And residents of the neighborhoods surrounding U Street diligently turned-out in sun dresses, gingham shirts, and straw hats to fete the occasion yesterday, on an unseasonably warm spring afternoon.

Indeed, it would take more than a little sun – okay, a whole lot of sun – to keep the city’s foodies away from Café Saint-Ex’s annual Memorial Day Chili Cook-Off event!

Spoonful of sugar, spoonful of beans. Same difference, right?

Here’s how it worked: $20 bought guests bottomless tastings (individual samples were also available for $5/each) of the chili creations from some of the District’s top chefs, including Mandu’s Danny Lee, Kushi’s Darren Norris, Saint-Ex’s own Mike Avent and Billy Klein, Vinoteca’s Lonnie Zoeller, Masa 14’s Antonio Burrell, Bar Pilar’s Oscar Cruz, Eatwell DC’s Billy McCormick, and Local 16’s Aman Ayoubi.

Between spoonfuls of pork, beef, chicken, and vegetarian chili, attendees took turns trying to soak their friends in a rather refreshing dunk tank setup benefiting nearby Garrison Elementary School, courtesy of Balance Gym, or simply paused to enjoy the live music coming from a temporary stage erected at the intersection of 14th and T Streets.

Some wanted to get dunked more than others…

Peroni beer specials and cups of freshly squeezed lemonade were also up for grabs, as was a table piled high with newly grilled burgers. And the most refreshing part of this friendly competition? All food proceeds will be donated to the city’s Fillmore Art Center.

Charity aside, the day was ultimately about the chili. And the powers that be (judges included Metrocurean’s Amanda McClements and Borderstan’s Alejandra Owens) awarded the top prize to Ron Tanaka of Cork Wine Bar for his oxtail chili accented with tequila, with The Copper Pot Food Company’s Stefano Frigerio taking second place with a bacon parmesan chili dish.

The Copper Pot Food Company’s Stefano Frigerio took second place at this year’s chili cook-off.

Congratulations to all!