Nov. 17-18 CASI chili cook-off winners announced

More than 70 chili chefs dished up their best bowls Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17-18 at the Katy Elks Lodge.

The Chili Appreciation Society International competition was a qualifier for the 2013 International Chili Cook-off at Terlingua, Texas and was open to amateurs and professionals on the chili cook-off circuit, according to a press release from organizers.

Forty-five people competed Saturday, Nov. 17 and an additional 28 chefs participated Sunday, Nov. 18. In addition to the chili competition, there were salsa and beans "jackpot" events.

Participants were judged on showmanship and points earned.

Nigel Delgado from Houston Elks Lodge No. 151 won the prize for both best salsa and best beans.

The Nov. 17 chili winners were:

First place, Earl Gorham, of Montgomery
Second place, Howard Dahl, of Shoreacres
Third place, Ralph Hoy, of Pasadena
Fourth place, Sherrie Davis, of South Houston
Fifth place, Karin Barnes, of Houston
Sixth place, Doris Greenlee, of Houston
Seventh place, Ken Armand, of Houston
Eighth place, Gilbert Butschek, of Houston
Ninth place, Mick Joplin, of Morgan
10th place, Melissa Pate, of Houston

Showmanship prizes were given to Charlie Throop, first place; Mick Joplin, second place; and Kathryn Cavender, third place.

The Nov. 18 chili point winners were:

First place, Ken Armand, of Houston
Second place, Donna Foley, of Galveston
Third place, Molly Truitt, of Friendswood
Fourth place, Phil Greenlee, of Houston
Fifth place, Doris Greenlee, of Houston
Sixth place, Susan Armand, of Houston
Seventh place, Kent Cavender, of Stafford
Eighth place, Scott Winter, of League City
Ninth place, John Thompson, of Spring
10th place, Melissa Pate, of Houston

Showmanship prize winners were Doug Beasley, first; Joe Braden, second; and Kent Cavender, third.

Katy Elks members Nancy and Kevin Draper organized the event. A similar cook-off is planned for mid-November 2013.

For more information about CASI and qualifying cook-offs in the area, visit www.chili.org.