LAKETOWN TWP, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Oct. 10, 2023) – You could take it “Hot” or “Not So Hot.” Either way, the Graafschap Fire Department entries in the annual Cow Hill Yacht Club Chili Cook Off on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, went like hot cakes.
The fire department, known in the culinary world for its wildly popular pancake breakfasts, brought eight gallons of homemade chili to the fundraiser at Wicks
Park in Saugatuck and were cleaned out by the end of the afternoon contest. “It went really well. We did not win anything, but it was good to interact with the
public. We even met some of our fire district residents,” said chili creator Dave Grumney, Captain, Training & Health/Safety for the Graafschap Fire Department.
Grumney cooked the two types of chili, a recipe he calls “Cowboy Beans” passed down to him by another firehouse cook. He’s been making the fall-season staple for 35 years. “We each give it a twist to make it our own,” he said. This year, some special ingredients included peppers and tomatoes from his garden. Grumney and Angie Schultz dished out small dishes of the chili to a steady line of samplers under the tent. The 17 entrants ringed the tables as the band Rock Shop performed. About 900 people attended, according to Ken Trester of the yacht club.
Here are the winners:
Traditional: First place – Saugatuck Brewing Company; Second place – Barge;
Third place – The Butler and What Not Inn.
Unique: First Place – Barge; Second place – Bowdie’s Chop House; Third place –
Duck Alley.
People’s Choice: Wicks Park Bar & Grille.
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