It was a classic March afternoon in Vermont, winter jackets still essential, prompting students to curse the never ending winter. But something was different about this Saturday, March 11th. It was only 12 pm, and my teammates and I had already finished a game of pick up soccer, unusual for us because Saturday mornings are not always a productive time. Our inspiration this particular day came in the form of the 3rd annual Middlebury Chili Festival, which gave us the jump start we needed to get the day going early.
After a disappointing rumor was spread that the Chili Fest was to be held the same weekend as Winter Carnival, I was more than anxious for the actual day to arrive. In only its third year, this food celebration drew over fifty local restaurants and businesses that showed up hoping to take home the title of best chili. The categories included game, vegetarian, pork, and chicken with a few sprinkling of seafood and other unique varieties.
Ravenous as usual, we called the match and headed downtown where the streets were filled with Middlebury students and community members. In a slightly ambitious manner, spoons in hand, Kirsten Lundquist, Amy Schlueter and I vowed to try every chili available…I mean we had to get our money’s worth (entrance is $3 dollars). Needless to say, we may have set our goals too high, and by the fourth vendor it was evident that our strategy required modification. We began to share samples, getting our own only if the taster proved too little. While we all had our own favorites, there were some chilis that were undeniably magnificent. 3 Squares of Vergennes (see earlier review) offered a unique Chili Verde option that in Amy Schlueter’s opinion was top-notch. The defending champion, Costello’s Market of Middlebury, had easily the longest line at the competition, offering their Chocolate Red Wine Chili, which boasted a unique combination of sweet and rich flavoring. My personal favorite was Tourterelle. Like many of the servers at the competition, the Tourterelle representative was making bold claims that this chili would undeniably be the crowd favorite. Intrigued, I took a full serving … and then another. I can easily say that if Tourterelle offered this on their menu I would frequently make the 6-mile trip up Route 7.
Two hours and an intake of chili that made me cringe later, we slowly made our way back to the Modular Home. We were greeted by sweatpants with elastic waistbands, a marathon of “Say Yes to the Dress”, a couch and an endless supply of apple cider. Some would argue that this Saturday doesn’t sound productive at all, but until you experience the Middlebury Chili Festival in all its glory, I don’t expect you to understand.
The Chili Fest is an annual event that takes place during the town’s Winter Carnival. As Main Street shuts down and all of the town businesses and community members flood the main drag, any MiddKid that misses this epic event regret it. Next year, take the five minute walk into town and spend some of the best three dollars of fill-you-to-the-brim chili you’ll ever experience. But whatever you do, don’t forget your jacket.
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