The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Hosts a Chili Cook-off

Julia Raymond • January 25, 2011

On February 13th, the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (A2CT) will be hosting its Second Annual Chili Cook-off, Beer Tasting, and Silent Auction. The event will take place at the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti from 12-3.

The cook-off was a hit in its first year – so many people showed up that they ran out of chili before the event was over – and this year it is expected to have an even bigger turn out. There will be 15 contestants competing to be crowned the Civic Supreme Chili Master. The contest will be judged by John Fischer (Gratzi chef), Martin Contreras (Aut Bar co-owner and chef), and Julie Halpert (food critic for annarbor.com). There are also other chili awards, including “People’s Choice”, which is awarded to the contestant with the most money in their tip jar at the end of the competition.

Joyce Casale is on the Civic Theatre Board of Directors and is also the chairperson of the Fundraising Committee. “We had the first chili cook-off and auction last year and it was very successful,” said Casale, adding, “so the Fundraising Committee and the Board decided to make this a yearly event.” Casale participated in the cook-off last year and will be competing again this year.

Thom Johnson, an actor who has appeared in and directed A2CT productions and participated in last year’s event, was surprised by how successful it was. “We actually had a bus pull up with eager chili eaters aboard,” said Johnson. Last year Johnson competed, and although he did not win, he is back this year and ready to cook.

To make sure everyone gets fed this year, the number of contestants has been raised. The more contestants, the more chili. “We are hoping with more contestants we will get a great variety of chili,” said Johnson. “All kinds of chili are accepted, last year we had some chicken and turkey chili, regular beef chili and some vegetarian chili as well.” All the money earned from the delicious chili, the beer tasting, and silent auction will be used to fund A2CT’s programs and to help pay for the costs that come with the production of their plays.

A2CT was founded in 1929 and has put on hundreds of shows. The theatre is one of the rare few that always casts its shows based on open auditions, meaning everyone has a fair chance to be in a show. “Since [A2CT] is a community theatre that has been around over 80 years, we like to use this event to also make connections with the Ann Arbor Community. Both chili contestants and merchandise and other items in the auction are from local area merchants and businesses,” said Casale.

Each contestant in the cook-off is asked to give their chili a name and is encouraged to decorate their station and even wear costumes. “Last year I won the ‘People’s Choice’ award for my chili,” said Casale, who will also be competing this year. “My chili (Joyce’s Spicy Tiger Chili) is inspired by my love for the Detroit Tigers and a special ‘tiger” inspired ingredient.”

Johnson appropriately decided to make his chili theater themed, saying, “My chili is a mild chili called ‘Green Room Chili: Hearty enough to strengthen the stage crew but mild enough not to hurt the throat of the most tender diva.’”

The Corner Brewery, cozy and family friendly, is the perfect place for this fundraiser. Come out and support A2CT, eat great food, and have fun. Tickets will be available at the door or call A2CT at (734) 971-2228.