The Cork Tucson will host the 21st Annual Fun Chili Cook-Off from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. The event takes place at the restaurant at 6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Admission is $10 at the door and includes chili tastings from nine local restaurants.
Guests can sample chili from Vero Amore, Millie’s Haus, Fini’s Landing, Renee’s Tucson, Canyon’s Crown, Eclectic Café, Kingfisher Bar & Grill, The Cork Tucson, and its sibling, UnCork’d Kitchen & Cocktails. Breakthru Beverage of Arizona will also host a free tequila tasting.
Tips Decide the Winner
Unlike traditional contests, the cook-off winner is decided by tips. Guests “stuff” tip jars for their favorite chili, and all proceeds support the Arizona Daily Star’s “Send a Kid to Camp” fund. Last year, the cook-off drew over 200 people and raised $27,950C.
Dozens of raffle items valued at $50 or more will be up for grabs. Prizes include a TV from Tucson Appliance Company, staycation getaways, and rare vintage wines. Raffle tickets cost $5 each or five for $20. Attendees need not be present to win.
Giving Back for 21 Years
Over two decades, the Cork Fun Chili Cook-Off has raised more than $316,500 for southern Arizona kids. Proceeds help local youth attend summer camps and enrichment programs.
For details on raffle tickets or sponsorships, visit funchilicookoff.org. Learn more about The Cork Tucson at corktucson.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
