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Oak Park area Chili Cook-off, fundraiser set for Sunday in Forest Park
Caitlin Fahey and Sal Petramala help serve up chili samples for the judges to taste at last year's Opportunity Knocks Chili Cook-off at Healy's Westside. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: February 19, 2013 12:45PM
Opportunity Knocks will host its fifth annual Chili Cook-off and Raffle from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at Healy’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., in Forest Park.
In an attempt to entice local chili lovers and football fanatics, 24 chili cooks have registered their special recipes. Three local celebrity chef — Jeff Mauro, Brendan O’Connor and Steve Skrine — will judge the contest.
This year’s OK Chili Cook-off marks the first charity event of 2013 benefitting the Warriors at OK, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities in the Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park communities.
Mauro is host of Food Network’s Emmy-nominated “Sandwich King” and the prime time hit “$24 in 24.”
O’Conner is owner of the popular sausage stand, Big Guys in Berwyn, and was recently featured on “3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay” and “Chicago’s Best.”
Skrine is owner and grill master at Skrine Chops in Forest Park.
For a nominal registration fee, chili cooks get a chance to win great prizes, but more importantly, raise OK’s Chili Cup and forever be enshrined as a chili champ. The contest was limited to 24 entrants and registration is now closed.
This year’s raffle prizes have gotten bigger and better as well. Purchasing a $10 raffle ticket buys participants a chance to win a one-week all inclusive vacation in the Dominican Republic, an iPad Mini or two Bulls tickets for seats on the 100 level.
The event encourages a $20 suggested donation that guarantees a sampling of the area’s finest chili, appetizers, dessert, drink specials and a chance to win the prizes.
