Category: Arboretum of South Barrington

 The results are in after Saturday’s “Chilly Challenge” Chili Cook-off in South Barrington. About 300 chili fans from in and around Barrington met at the South Barrington Arboretum Saturday afternoon to sample and vote for chili prepared by seven local restaurants.

I was one of the guest judges and snapped a few photos on the chili tour, which started at Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro. A shuttle whisked the chili tasters off to all seven restaurants, which included Pinstripes, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Nozuzmi Asian & Japanese Cuisine, Gold Class Cinemas, L’Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie, Panera Bread and defending 2010 Chili Champion, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. That’s a lot of chili for only $10 and it was so much fun! Almost all of the participants cast ballots for their favorites at the very end and it was a very close vote. But the 2011 South Barrington Arboretum Chili Champion is……