Monee: Lots of Winners at Chili Cook Off Fundraiser
By Karen Haave
Ron Sendora and Mike Evans seemed to have started a little dynasty of sorts.
Their chili was last year’s People’s Choice in the annual chili cook off hosted by Brian’s Place of Monee.
This time, they won first place.
The secret to great chili, Sendora said, is to “make it early, let it sit, and then eat it.” But he wasn’t giving away his recipe.
The Monee pals winning recipe beat 12 other contestants — including cook off veteran Brian Cann and his longtime restaurant chef Ruben Fausto — to give them a handmade trophy and a $150 monetary prize.
The 32nd annual event raised funds, for the second year, for Peotone Car Club’s Scholarship Fund benefiting students pursuing junior college or the trades.
“We had just over 150 participants,” said Car Club President Todd Sandberg, “less than last year but still a great turnout.
“Scholarships are $500 each, last year we gave away two, one to a student studying automotive at JJC and another student studying digital design at JJC.
“The Peotone Car Club is super grateful to have the opportunity to help out with this longstanding tradition at Brian’s Place. The hospitality of the cookers and the community support make the event and we’re honored to be a part of it.
“The Car Club would be honored to be involved with the chili cook off again next year. We have no other fundraisers this year, but we will be involved in other community events such as the Trunk or Treat in Peotone and the Christmas in the Village.”
Karen Haave is a freelance reporter.