Seven of Highlands’ top chefs and 13 amateur cooks will participate in the 14th Annual Highlands Chili Cook-Off Sunday, February 22, from 3–7 p.m. at the Chubby Pickle, 23 Bay Avenue.
The chefs will battle for chili glory, help raise funds for the annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, and give everyone the opportunity taste and vote on their chili excellence.
Tickets are $45 and include twenty (20) chili samplings, two beers, and a ballot to pick prize winning chilies.
The Cook-Off features two categories: Professional and Amateur. The Professional Cook-Off showcases seven Highlands restaurants: Bahrs Landing Restaurant, Chilangos, Chubby Pickle, Highlands Café, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, and Proving Ground. The Amateur Cook-Off includes 13 contestants, open to any non-professional chili cooks ready to put their recipes to the test.
After sampling the chili, attendees will cast their votes by turning in completed ballots to event staff. Votes will be tallied, and winners announced at approximately 6:30 p.m., with trophies awarded to the champions. In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Grand Marshal Mayor Carolyn Broullon, along with a panel of five independent judges, will select a Judges’ Choice winner.
Adding to the festivities, Highlands’ own Solas Na Mara Pipe Band will provide live entertainment throughout the event.
All proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will offset the cost of the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on March 21, with Mayor Broullon as Grand Marshal.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its programs and events are made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Monmouth County Tourism, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Farmacie by the French Market, Gateway Marina, The Honorable Plant, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry, Seafarer, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.
Tickets may be purchased in advance, and amateur chefs can register to compete, by visiting www.highlandsnj.com or calling (732) 291-4713.
Pictured: Mayor Carolyn Broullon, Chef Santiago and Chef Bob from Bahrs Landing, 2025 Grand Marshal Tim Hill, and HBP Executive Director Carla Cefalo.
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