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player ready...What is the secret to the best firehouse chili was the question on the minds of the hundreds of attendees at the sixth annual Youth Services Firefighter Chili Cook-Off and Trivia Contest on Jan. 27 at Chicago Harley-Davidson in Glenview .
Chili tastings were rated by a panel of 10 judges who tasted 11 different recipes representing firehouses from across Glenview, Northbrook and Northfield . Each chili concoction was judged based on presentation, smell, flavor and texture.
Youth Services Director Amy O’Leary says she loves the event because it brings together so many important facets of the community.
“Youth Services, fire departments, guest judges, local companies and people who are looking for a fun way to support an important cause,” O’Leary said, “The spirit and enthusiasm of all of those pieces working together is truly amazing.”
Tim Jacks, a firefighter and paramedic from Glenview Fire Station #8, also served as the Glenview chili coordinator for the event. Jacks says the reason firefighters are such experts at making chili is because they know their way around a slow cooker and appreciate the flexibility of being able to leave their dinner cooking for hours.
“Anything that we can do to support kids in the Glenview, Northbrook, and Northfield communities is an important cause for us to be involved in,” Jacks said.
According to organizers, proceeds from the event totaled $20,000 and funds will be used to continue the agency’s mission-focused work.
Saturday’s winners included judges’ choice Wilmette Station #26 and a people’s choice Northbrook Station #12.
Firefighters, chefs, and tasters all weighed in with an opinion about the secret ingredient that makes chili the best. The ingredients ranged from green chilies, to corn, pulled pork, chocolate and cinnamon.
“It’s been a great opportunity to partner with local firefighters,” O’Leary said, “There is a lot of synergy between Youth Services all of the local departments and it’s a relationship we hope will continue to grow.”
Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.