Spices, Meats, and Secrets: Judging the Chili Cook-off on the Comstock
Armed with a spoon and my notebook, I listed the vendor name, chili description and a 1-5 ranking for each chili sampled.
It was my first time being a judge of a food contest, but I took my role seriously for the 44th Annual Chili on the Comstock in Virginia City.
The judges were given cards to sample 12 different chilis for the People's Choice portion, and three votes to distribute to our favorites. Armed with a spoon and my notebook, I listed the vendor name, chili description and a 1-5 ranking for each chili sampled.
I asked vendors questions about what ingredients they used and their methods, but they were tight-lipped, not wanting to disclose their recipes. Their secrecy had me guessing what types of meat I was tasting for the samples from South Fork Eatery and Hillbilly Chili. I might have unknowingly eaten some Rocky Mountain oysters.
When it came to judging, I considered whether I would be able to eat an entire bowl of the chili, or if the sample was just enough. Although tasty, some of the chili's were so spicy – like PJ's Howling Dawg, packed with jalapeños, serranos, and more – that I wasn't sure my tastebuds would be able to handle much more than a few spoonfuls!
I learned that the chili cook-off was a long-standing tradition for many of the vendors. The gentleman serving chili at the Squeakin' Beaver has been competing in chili contests since he was 17-years-old, cooking and serving with his father beginning in 1979. His chili ended up being one of my favorites – savory with more of a broth consistency.
Delta Saloon rang the bell when I handed them my People's Choice card for their smokey and savory chili that had me wanting more.
Another one of my favorites was Ace in the Hole, who served up a green chili that had some heat to it, but not overwhelming. When I asked them how their day was going, they responded with, "It's chilly," the perfect answer on a cold day at a chili cook-off.
Not wanting to waste any food, I consumed each chili sample and had a full, bloated belly by the end of the day. Being a judge was a fun experience that allowed me to meet more locals, visitors, and hear their stories. Next year I'll bring Tums.
Included above: Mustang Ranch, South Fork, Alley Cat, and Hillbilly Chili.
