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Crew's Annual Chili Cook-off Includes Cash Prize, Fun and ... Chili

By Josh McGhee | January 21, 2016 5:45am
 The 11th annual Crew Chili Contest will be hosted by local food blogger and vlogger Wayne Johnson.
The 11th annual Crew Chili Contest will be hosted by local food blogger and vlogger Wayne Johnson.
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UPTOWN — The 11th annual Crew Chili Contest will be Jan. 30, hosted by local food blogger and vlogger Wayne Johnson.

Johnson, who has appeared on "The Today Show" and hosts "Wayne's Weekend" on his YouTube channel, has hosted the contest featuring prizes for best chili and best presentation for the last four years, he said.

"Last year, we had someone do a 'Star Trek' theme. Two guys did a camping in the woods theme. They really had a lot of fun with it," said Johnson, adding that most themes center on the spiciness of the chili, but "they're really creative, and I'm always surprised with what people come up with."

While Johnson expects about 10 participants, "usually by the middle of it, the place is packed with a lot of people having fun. Imagine every table full and a lot of people standing," he said. "It's a real party atmosphere."

The winner of the best chili receives $100, and the winner for best presentation receives a $50 gift card to the bar and grill at 4804 N. Broadway. The contest is free to enter, but it costs $12 to sample the chili and vote for the winner, said Jacob Huston, assistant general manager of the bar.

All proceeds from the contest are donated to Care For Real.

The bar expects about 80 people based off numbers from previous years. Chili fans can expect something for everyone, including a bison-based chili and a vegetarian selection, Huston said.

The contest will run from noon to 3 p.m.

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