Chili cooks to exchange friendly fire

The Seagrass Pub and Grill hosts what it hopes becomes an annual chili cookoff.

By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 1, 2002

HOMOSASSA -- If you like to make chili or better yet, if you like to eat chili, stock up on antacids and head for the Chili Cook-Off Feb. 9 at The Seagrass Pub And Grill.

In what will become an annual event, The Seagrass is hosting two chili cookoffs on Feb. 9. The first will be a sanctioned event by CASI, a national chili organization. The second will feature the best creations from local chefs and restaurant staffs. Both classes will be judged and prizes awarded.

The top 10 winners in the national competition get gift certificates from area businesses. The winner of the local competition gets a chili trophy and bragging rights for a year.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses.

"This will be a great fundraiser for a great organization," said Susan Crowley, who co-owns The Seagrass with her husband, Thomas.

There is one major distinction between the two chili classes: In the CASI, or national division, chili cannot contain beans. The local division chili can. Chili without beans can be entered in both divisions. Chili will be cooked outside and all cooks must bring their own grill, cookware, tables, chairs and chili ingredients. Entry fee is $15. There is a cook's organizational meeting and party at 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at The Seagrass.

All chili must be cooked on site at The Seagrass. Cooking begins at 9 a.m., the judging begins at 2 p.m. Afterward, the public can sample all the chili for a $2 donation to Make-A-Wish.

The Seagrass will also have singer Lonnie Lyons performing live on the deck from 2 to 6 p.m. and a rock-climbing wall for entertainment.

The Seagrass Pub And Grill is at 10386 Halls River Road, about two miles west of U.S. 19. Look for the flashing arrow sign. The Seagrass also features live music nightly. Call 628-3595.

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