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http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/04/chiliheads_get_ready_to_set_st.html
'Chiliheads' get ready to set Staten Island palates on fire
By Pamela Silvestri
April 22, 2010, 6:52AM
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two weeks ago, Anthony (Ollie) Valois took home a toilet seat cover, a Grand Champ prize trophy scored at Willie Palooza BBQ on Long Island. But the Oakwood resident doesn't let that title go to his head: Valois plans to get his "burn on" once again by presenting his bean-free/meat chili at Historic Richmond Town's first International Chili Cookoff on Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Staten Islanders know their food," said Ed Wiseman, executive director at Historic Richmond Town. The Historical Society hooked up with the International Chili Society (ICS) last year. (Note that Chiliheads is a name attached to card-carrying ICS members. ) Staten Island is the exclusive venue in New York City for ICS events.
Think your chili is hot stuff? It's not too late to enter Staten Island's first Chili Cookoff this weekend, an international competition with prize money that is also a family event.
SALSA OVER SALSA
Right now Richmond Town finds itself with 30 chili contestants for three categories: Red Chili (Traditional Chili), Chili Verde (Green Chili) and Salsa. Out-of-town cooks hail from Illinois, Connecticut, Long Island and upstate; some are former national winners. In addition to Staten Island's Valois, some competing local Chiliheads include James Ryan along with chefs-in-training at Port Richmond High School, Vince Corigliano with the Tottenville High School cooking program students, Michele Winant and Raymundo Sanchez of Dina's Hideaway in Tottenville, Robert Burmeister of Chow Gourmet/Black Dog Grill in West Brighton and Engine Company #1 Firehouse of Richmond.
Cash prizes range from $250 to $750. First and second prizes will be awarded. There are also rewards for "People's Choice" picks and for the cook with the best-dressed booth. The first chief judge is Steve Falkowski, the 1997 ICS World Champion. Other judges include borough chefs, politicians plus past and present food writers from the Advance.
Saturday's chili competition kicks off at 11 a.m. with the national anthem sung by Victoria Cuomo, a student at St. Charles School in Oakwood. The Planet Wings Hot Wing Eating Comptetition begins at 3 p.m. Wahoo Skiffles and "Mossimo" the DJ are part of the entertainment. There will be rides all day for an additional charge plus free kids crafts. Festivities end at 4 p.m. Spectators are welcome. A family of four can spend the day for under $26.
STRICT CHILI RULES
"The ICS rules are strict -- competition chili is just sauce and meat, no beans or anything of that nature," enthused Valois.
"I've always wanted to get into chili competition," he said, adding, "This one happens to be right down the block, right down the way from me. I'd be foolish not to get involved. Worst thing that happens is we eat some chili and have some fun."
For more information about the New York City Chili Cookoff, call Historic Richmond Town at 718-351-visit the Web site