Annual Chili Cookoff

Umm, I promise: We do more at Darden than cases and cooking. (Like, oh, fund-raising for Haiti, case challenges, bowling, concept competitions, dodgeball, company briefings, TNDC, interviews, soccer, club events, wine tastings, lectures, panel discussions on current affairs, salsa night, etc. — and cases, cases, and cases.)

Let's just say, it's a well-rounded education.

Above: View of PepsiCo Forum tonight, one small part of the cookoff. Pretend it's "Where's Waldo," only look for the decorated tables featuring home-cooked chili.

Tonight was the annual Chili Cookoff. Teams simmered up their own recipes, which other students got the pleasure of tasting. (In teeny paper cups that appeared deceptively too small, but by the end, you are inevitably too stuffed.)


Here's one with two types of lamb. (Neither are the fluffy stuffed-animal kind.) And chocolate, bacon, and beer. If I remember correctly.

I may just be dreaming.


This chili was from the reigning champs. Tasty stuff!


One team's table of witches (just guess, is all I'm saying) had a caldron. Spooky cool.


Adult beverages and kid-friendly options. I had a little of both.



This was my favorite chili — a sweet concoction with the lovely hint of pineapple. Mmmm. I heard a classmate call it "dessert chili." (Not hot enough for him; perfect for me.)

The official judges picked this devil of a team, Los Diablos, as the first place winners. Congrats, Daniel David, Daryn Curry, Rosie David, and (not pictured) Niki Hartvigsen! Their specialty 6-6-6 recipe: 6 types of meats, 6 kinds of chili peppers, and 6 varieties of beans.



OK, what's next on the foodie calendar?