| Everybody's a Winner as the First Chili Cook-Off is Deemed a Sizzling Success Jerry Lafferty - Navy League of Puerto Vallarta | |
April 1, 2013 |
 |
The girls of Corazon de Nina Shelter give a big "thank you" to all sponsors, volunteers and attendees.
 |
| Popular Choice Trophy goes to Piratas Motorcycle Club |
Last Saturday's chili cook-off sponsored jointly by American Legion and Navy League attracted an overflow crowd of more than 400 happy patrons who consumed in excess of 60 gallons of chili, ranging from mild to spicy hot.
The setting at El Rio Bar and Grill on the banks of the beautiful Cuale River, combined with a typical PV sunny day and toe-tapping music made this a charity event that can only grow in popularity in coming years.
Net proceeds this year will be split among three children's charities - Busca Un Amigo, Corazon de Nina and Toys for Tots.
Seventeen entries in a "Best Chili Contest" came from local restaurants and individuals. Voting by the 400 patrons produced a 1st place "Popular Choice" trophy for Piratas MC. 2nd place went to the American Legion and 3rd place to Captain Don's.
In addition, three top local chefs, Nacho Cadena of La Leche Restaurant; Fred Ruiz, Executive Chef of Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa; and Gary Beck, Food Critic, presented their "Best Chili Award" to Captain Don's. Truth told, all 17 entries were worthy of trophies.
Musical entertainment was provided throughout the day. A wonderful mariachi band got the crowd off to a festive mood, followed by the Nacho Daddy band playing a broad range of swinging sounds. To cap off the day, there was a surprise appearance by Patsy Cline (aka Mikki Prost) who sang many of Patsy's top hits from the 50's.
Special thanks are in order for Dennis Rike and his team from American Legion, and Jorge & Cynthia McManus and their team from Navy League. They tell us to look for a repeat of this extremely successful event next year.
For more photos, visit El Rio BBQ Bar on Facebook.
Read related story.
Learn about Banderas Bay American Legion Post 14
Learn about Navy League of Puerto Vallarta
Learn about Project Pitillal, Reach Out to a Friend
Learn about Corazon de Nina Shelter for Girls & Boys
We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!
From the Bay & Beyond
Celebrate a Healthy Lifestyle
From activities like hiking, swimming, bike riding and yoga, to restaurants offering healthy menus, Vallarta-Nayarit is the ideal place to continue - or start - your healthy lifestyle routine.
Banderas Bay offers 34 miles of incomparable coastline in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, and home to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit's many great destinations.