Kay's Chili Cookoff

Here in Atenas there is a home for abused, abandoned or orphaned children that Stef and I do everything we can to help. It is called "hogar de Vida para la ninez" -  During the last 3 years, Kay & Tom Costello (Kay's Gringo Postres) have put on an event with a Chili Cookoff where the proceeds have gone to the Orphanage. In those years, maybe 50 people would attend. 2011 turned out to be a different story. There was a group formed to get this thing organized and make it a big event. Somehow they found this guy here who used to work at organizing chili cookoff's in the US. Well, the committee worked over a month putting it together. In fact, Stef was up till midnight last night doing her part. The end result - somewhere between 500-600 people attended, and we had a great time. Although all the money has not been tabulated yet, it's a sure bet that there will be a very large donation to the Children's Home. Take a look at some of the day's activities:

The event took place at the Quinta Romavista. This is a very nice place set far back off the road in the rolling hills of Barrio Mercedes just west of Atenas.

The hours were from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM - When I arrived at 11:30 AM and walked into the main building - this is what I saw - many, many people who came in support of these children.






There were 14 "world renown chili chef's from all parts of the world" competing for the title - yes, they came from all around the world and decided to live in Atenas - about the world renown part of it - I'm not sure. Below are a couple who we know, but never realized their talents for cooking chili.

This is Brad who came in very strong in the finish.

This is Alex who is the manager of U-Save Car Rental that Stef does a lot of business with. He did an outstanding job with his recipe.

This is our friend and neighbor Ed ( his better half Johanna is probably out somewhere having a beer with Stef) - They brought in their Jersey style chili, which was a big hit.

This is what happens to Marines when they retire. A good group of guys who did an outstanding job.

These are the "angels" from the local church. They stressed on providing the mild chili so we wouldn't drink so much beer.











These pictures give you an idea of the beauty of the grounds at Roma Vista. We are probably talking 3-4 acres of this type of landscape.

 Yes, we had music and lots of it. Here you see Francis Jones from Tennessee singing and she is great. She used to sing professionally, but the lure of Costa Rica changed that.

This is the building where the burgers and dogs were being served. The grill they were using was "Big Red" my special infrared grill brought in from the US - so you know the food was good :-)

Then we have the tents where the liquid refreshments
were served. The committee set up a special deal with the people who distribute Imperial Beer - commonly known as the beer of Costa Rica. They were pretty generous so you know we did not run out of beer.

Time to head home - Here you see my good friend Robin waving goodbye. I sure hope he made it home safely.










This year's Chili Cook-off was a huge success, and I think next year will even be better - Thanks to all who attended and contributed to this wonderful cause.