7th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff draws over 3,000 attendees for event
The 7th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff raises record breaking amount for charities at February 26th event
Crowds loved the choices, the flavors and all the fun, but especially the competition which brought out some of Houston’s best kosher chilis to taste all in one location at this family-friendly day out.
The coveted best chili and first place award was presented to the Aishel House “Holy Chili Peppers” team.
Friendship Circle/Chabad Outreach/Chai Learning Center of West Houston accepts award
Following up closely behind, the Friendship Circle/Chabad Outreach/Chai Learning Center of West Houston team received second place and the Congregation Emanu El Boy Scout Troop 1190 team finished third.
The Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Services team won the Showmanship Award and the Greene Family Camp received the People’s Choice Award. All winning teams were presented with trophies. 
The 7 local Jewish Day Schools and the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s Meals on Wheels Program were benefited by the 34 local organizations and businesses fired up the competition during the 7th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff. 
Guests enjoyed live music provided by The Danny Gavin Band and Young Kletzmer Band, a silent auction, raffle, a moonwalk, an obstacle course, balloon artists and face painting all while sampling some of Houston’s best kosher chili.
The primary purpose of the cookoff is to provide and maintain a low cost family-friendly community event for all regardless of affiliation.
Celebrity and media judges included Al Farb from The New 93Q Country; Albert Nurick from HTown Chowdown; Amber Elliott from the Houston Chronicle; Barbara Levine from Small Business Today Magazine; Courtney Bond from Texas Monthly; Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen District C; Ernie Manouse of PBS; Hank Lewis from HankonFood.com; Jack Cagle of Harris County Precinct 4; radio and television personality Lanny Griffith; Houston City Council Member Larry Green District K; Phaedra Cook from Houston Food Finder; Ruchi Mukerjee of Lights, Camera, Action; Sir McMillen from The Chile Pepper Magazine; Ted Powers from The Jewish Herald Voice; Tom Flynn from HTexas Magazine; and Valerie Sweeten from Hot in Houston Now.
photo credit: Dr. David Cotler