CHELSEA — It's a good weekend to be a meat-lover in the Big Apple.
Not only is Chelsea hosting the Beer, Bourbon and Barbecue Fest Saturday, on Sunday night chili fanatics will be able to wander a 500-foot chili paradise, with dozens of bowls of the good stuff — along with specially paired beers — at NYChiliFest 2012 inside the Chelsea Market.
Some of the city's most popular restaurants — including Gramercy Tavern, Jimmy's No. 43, Mast Brothers Chocolate and Fatty 'Cue — will compete for the 2012 Golden Chili Mug.
East Village-based Northern Spy Food Co., which won last year's title for its meaty Texas-style concoction, will be back this year with a new chili offering.
Each chili will have a base of dry-aged, locally raised beef from Wrighteous Organics, and all chefs have to use meat from "responsibly-raised animals."
Tickets to the event cost $45 for all-you-can-eat chili, along with cornbread and farmstead cheeses. For $55, attendees get the chili, along with unlimited pints of Samuel Adams beer.
Proceeds will go to Food Systems NYC, a coalition of groups dedicated to helping provide affordable access to healthy, nourishing food throughout the city.
In addition to the plentiful eats, Brooklyn-based country band the Dixons will play a set to complement the festivities.
NYChiliFest 2012 runs from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sun. Jan. 29 at Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave. Tickets are available at the event's website.
