ALEXANDRIA, VA – “The winners were only separated by five points! That’s how close the voting was,” exclaimed Del Ray Citizens Association President Virginia Bush from the stage as she began announcing this year’s winners in the 7th Annual Del Ray Chili Cook Off.
Bragging rights were up for grabs again in the seventh annual gathering of the neighborhood’s chili makers held February 22 at Commonwealth Academy. Residents poured in for the beer and tunes by The Okays, but they were there on a mission: to taste and cast their votes for the best meat and meatless chili in the room.
Police Chief Michael Brown and Agenda:Alexandria’s Executive Director Pat Miller were the official tasting judges, but guests also voted for their favorites.
Drumroll please. And the 2020 Best Chili winners are:
Best Vegetarian Chili: Zoraida Rodriguez
Best Traditional Chili with Meat: Michael Bowles
People’s Choice Award Lori Swain for her “Chicken-licious” Chili
Bobi Bomar and Ellen Patrick of Homes Alexandria sponsored the event, and all proceeds from this year’s Chili Cook Off went to Friends of Guest House, a rehabilitation residential facility in Del Ray assisting women return re-enter the community after incarceration.
