Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off Coming!
The Club’s 9th Annual Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off is coming May 4, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tlaquepaque’s Calle de Independencia. The event is part of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta weekend. Top chefs from area restaurants will showcase their special chili and vie for the 2019 Restaurant Chili Championship including: The Artist's Kitchen Shop, Creekside American Bistro, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, Steakhouse 89, Tamaliza Cafe, and Vino di Sedona. Other awards include the Restaurant Judges’ Award and Peoples’ Choice Award plus cash prizes and trophies. In addition, competing for the community’s judge choice are Sedona’s Mayor Sandy Moriarty, Cottonwood’s Mayor Tim Elinski, Interim Fire Chief of the Sedona Fire District Jason Coil, and Clarkdale’s City Councilor Scott Buckley. This year’s judges are: Robert Barry, Culinary & Hospitality director for Yavapai College, Joe Rodgers, chef for Indian Gardens Café, and Jeff Smedstad, chef for Elote. The event also features a silent auction, beer & wine garden, and kid’s activities. The silent auction features certificates for area restaurants, lodging and spas, golfing, jewelry, artwork, and much more. Details about Silent Auction items and Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off are at https://sedonarotary.org/page/the-great-sedona-chili-cook-off
YC Culinary & Hospitality director newest Chili Cook-Off judge
Yavapai College's Culinary & Hospitality Director Robert Barry told the club about YC's newest certificate programs: Hospitality and Culinary Arts, based at the Sedona Center. Robert said the Culinary Program will graduate its first class in May. Both programs are transferable to Northern Arizona University. YC's Culinary Institute also offers restaurant Safe Food Certification. Robert's experience includes Chef for the San Antonio Spurs, Union Pacific Railroad, ownership of two restaurants in Omaha, and production of his own Buffalo Bob's BBQ Sauce. He's also the newest judge to join this year's Great Sedona Chili Cook-Off. Robert invited club members to tour YC's Sedona Culinary Institute. Club President Holli Ploog announced the book "Creepy Pair of Underwear!" will be donated to a local Sedona School on Robert's behalf.