Some like it hot

The Northshore Area Board of Realtors Chili Challenge got off to a mild start on Nov. 7 with five judges tasting the 21 samples of chili from aspiring champions.

Judges included Chef Duke from Cafe’ Giovanni’s, Mark Benfatti of N’Tini’s, David Figueroa of Melinda’s Hot Sauce, Chris Binnings of Friends Coastal Restaurant and David Woodward, executive chef at New Orleans Hilton Riverside.Title companies, real estate agents and brokers and other groups competed for the coveted first place bragging rights.

Begun two years ago at Bogue Falaya Park, the event has gotten so popular that another move is anticipated for next year to a larger location.

The event has become a local favorite and is a bargain, with $5 buying you all the chili you care to eat or sample. Varieties of chili ranged from traditional to exotic chilis with deer sausage and everything in between.

Finishing first in the competition was Prudential Gardner of Hammond and Murphy Appraisal finished second. REMAX Northlake Associates won two awards- the new “People’s Choice” award selected by visitors to the contest and for the third year, the best booth award.

The real winners at the event were the two charitable organizations, STARC and TARC that received the profits from the event. To increase the donation, NABOR held on-site raffles and door prizes. Members and clients of the two organizations also assisted chefs in stirring their pots while greeting visitors.

Participants included all Northshore realtors from St. Tammany, Washington and Tangipahoa parishes.