Whenever Lemon Grove’s Helen Ofield tells me that there is something happening in her part of town, I know it is somewhere that I want to be. Lemon Grove is a small Mecca for many wonderful things.
Whenever Lemon Grove’s Helen Ofield tells me that there is something happening in her part of town, I know it is somewhere that I want to be. Lemon Grove is a small Mecca for many wonderful things.
And the Soroptimist International of Lemon Grove Western Chili Cook-Off was no exception to this rule. I’ve been covering Lemon Grove for many years and found out that the Soroptimist are a force to be reckoned with. Its contribution to the community is a cornerstone of what many Lemon Grovians stand for each and every day. And this event was truly a Lemon Grove event to the core.
I got to see some old friends that I haven’t seen for awhile, and met some new ones that I would love to make time to get to know better. This fundraiser helped provide funds for some of its many philanthropic endeavors, with purchasing gift cards for The Lemon Grove Holiday Giving Program, and funds for its “Live Your Dream” campaign for women in dire need and high school girls to get help with college with its “Dream It, Be It” program.
With 11 chili aficionados the crowd was in full chili-maniacs ready for a showdown. With names like Blazing Saddle Chili, Navy Issue, Groovy Lemon Grove Chili and Kimchili, it was a paradox of adventure and fear wondering what was coming up next. Bringing home first place was Fire House Chili, made by Lemon Grove’s savvy Heartland Fire & Rescue team. And I have to admit, it was in the running for me. As a matter of fact, it was in my top two favorites.
Not only running for office, but cooking for the win was Browne’s Chili, earning second place and made by hopeful City Council candidate Steve Browne. Coming in third, Groovy Lemon Grove Chili caught attention with a barbeque pizzazz.
Although it was a tough decision, it had to be made. Not that they were not all great, but I did not vote for any of the winners.
It was the Kimchili that won me over.
Adding kimchi to an already amazing tasting chili was a mastermind plan. I am going to play with that one here at home without a doubt. They were all wonderfully crafted with love and there was not a single one that I wouldn’t sit down with a big bowl with all the condiments. There was a lot of love and pride in every pot.
Still raising money, there was a great mixture of silent auction items. The local Heartland fire fighters took front stage again for a chance to have a firehouse made meal with them. And the raffle items were an eclectic sort. The Halloween package was really cool, the handcrafted dolls adorable, a beautiful quilt, tickets to SeaWorld and a plethora of other fun things. Myself, I brought home a giant wooden Santa’s elf, to everyone else’s disappointment.
You had to be there. But know this—I loved it.
