Truckee Chili Cookoff

Truckee Chili Cookoff

And The Winners Are

Chili lovers witnessed a classic contest among 13 colorful teams fighting to the finish for the top prize at the hotly contested 2nd Annual Truckee Chili Cookoff today. The event was MC’ed by KOH radio personality Monica Jaye who roamed the venue keeping the audience informed and entertained with her forceful wit.

Taking First Place in the Individual category was Porter Simon’s Red Hot Chili Chicks Plus, an inspired convocation of legal eagles. Poets on Payday, the Grand Champion from last year, remained competitive by nailing down Second Place.

First honors in the Non-profit category went to the team from Tahoe Forest Church, Fire From Heaven. Second Place went to the team from the U. S. Forest Service.

The Restaurant category saw an unusual tie for first place between Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn Restaurant and Royal Gorge’s Ice Lakes Lodge. The fact that two such quality restaurants competed and won reflects the increased attention the Truckee Chili Cookoff is getting throughout the Lake Tahoe community.

The Grand Champion of the 2nd Annual Truckee Chili Cookoff was the young team from Full Belly Deli of Truckee. The attendees agreed with the judges awarding Full Belly Deli the People’s Choice Award as well.

The distinguished panel of judges, Supervisor Ted Owens, Truckee Mayor Carolyn Wallace Dee, Jake Hudson, Truckee Town Councilman Mark Brown, MC Monica Jaye’s husband “Mr. M” and Kimberly Sensley, the Most Trusted Advisor to Truckee Police Chief Nicholas Sensley, said they had a difficult time ranking the contestants since they all cooked a fine chili.

All competitors vowed to return again next year

This Year's Contestants

Full Belly Deli

JAX at the Tracks

Old Farts Makin' Chili

Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn

Poets on Payday

Porter Simon - Red Hot Chili Chicks Plus

Royal Gorge's Ice Lakes Lodge

Ryan "Happy" Gilmore

Slow Food Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Forest Church - Fire From Heaven

Team Chili Billy

Truckee Fire Fighters Association

Uncle Dave's Chili

U. S. Forest Service

Thanks To Our Entertainers

Returning for the second year, Pleasant Heads, the popular country-modern band from Reno, headlined the entertainment lineup.

With their unique style ranging from classic rock, country, blues, alternative, and pop oldies to their own unique songs, they kept the crowd jumping. They played a diverse song list that covered the span of time that reflects the different tastes and bands that they have been in over the years.

The O. K. Chorale, the men's barbershop group, specializing in harmony, comedy and generally great entertainment, opened the show. They are directed by Chris Nelson.

Noted local musician Richard Blair entertained with his original songs about Truckee and our region.

A surprise duo was discovered in the chili cooking kitchen, Grandma’s Chili Spoon. Crosby Walsh and John Craigie played a set vey well received by the crowd.

No festival would be complete without a full range of activities for the kids, from face painting by Princess Fizgig to free arts and crafts and the Bouncy House. Everyone enjoyed a day of family fun.