Second Annual ‘Chili Cook-Off’ results In Firehouse Tie, Restaurant Repeat Winner
By Domenick Andreini, junior Franklin High School student, Franklin Warrior Co-Editor and Arianna Brody, junior Franklin High School student, Franklin Warrior Staff
Two township fire companies tied and last year’s restaurant repeated its victory in the second annual Chili Cook-Off Feb. 5 hosted by the Franklin Township Food Bank.
East Franklin Fire Company (Station 27) with Tom Canales as the Chef and East Millstone Rescue Squad with head chef Michael Reinbeck won in the fire house category, and Sophie’s Bistro on Hamilton Street took home the trophy for the restaurant category.
The event was held at the township Community/Senior Center on DeMott Lane.
In addition to the cook-off, the event featured entertainment from Franklin High School’s FHS Warrior Jazz Trio and items for sale such as baked goods, hot dogs, and beverages. Proceeds from the event benefit the Franklin Food Bank.
Stop & Shop sponsored the event and helped prepare the Food Bank’s chili. Beverages were donated by Coca-Cola, hot dogs were donated by Boar’s Head, bread was donated by Bimbo, and Franklin High School JROTC students volunteered to serve food.
“I think it’s great to be here for the community and we would like to think that we can bring home the trophy,” Reinbeck said before the judging.
Citizens from all over Franklin Township made an appearance to this event, including Board of Education President, Ed Potosnak and various students from Franklin High School.
“We have served a lot of chili and look to serve much more,” said Ricky Patel, junior Franklin High School student and JROTC member.
Guests voted for which chili they liked best, and the votes were counted to determine the winners for each category.
Mayor Phillip Kramer is expected to issue a proclamation about this event and the winners at an upcoming Township Council meeting.