Let's explain quickly what each recognition is:
Grand Champion: The overall winning chef as voted by those at the party. This winner is judged on presentation, spice, and flavor so no slouch gets thru here.
Runner Up: A close 2nd to the Grand Champion. The individual or team winning this must still possess a chili that is almost magical as to be voted 2nd in the company of renowned chili chefs is an honor nonetheless.
Inferno Award: Depending on who you talk to, this award rivals the Grand Champion's. The chef that takes this award has the hottest chili of the party. Sometimes a winning chili has a quick heat that takes the tongue out instantly while others have won by creeping up on the you. The chilis that let the forehead breathe and sweat are certain to get votes in this category. Either way, it is a feat to have a hot yet tasty chili. Before we were incorporated or organized, this was the only trophy.
Coleman T award: This award goes to the chef or chefs that has the best presentation, chili name, PR, or all of the above. The creativity that it takes to win this award gets more difficult every year. Special thanks goes out to Lisa + Clay Bouldin, Atlanta, Georgia, for providing the Coleman T festive hat that goes to the winner of this every year. The Coleman T award began the year that our son Coleman Thomas was born.
Special thanks also needs to go out to Courtland Ebeling Enterprises for his unique and awe inspiring trophies every year. While the term trophy is an understatement due to their artful approach, they are always awe inspiring. Rumor has it one fetched $1000 on E Bay last month.
Those winning chefs and their chilis:
Chef tally per year:
OH AND BY THE WAY, HERE'S INFO ON PAST SUPERBOWLS
2009 INVITATION 2008 INVITATION 2007 INVITATION 2006 INVITATION
2005 INVITATION 2004 INVITATION 2003 INVITATION 2002 INVITATION
2001 INVITATION 2000 INVITATION CROTCH PIRATES COMMANDMENTS
HALL OF FAME COMPETITORS BY YEAR
Pictures from Chilifest 2002 - The Chefs
Pictures from Chilifest 2002 - The Crowds
