Chili History

Chefs Shleby Davis and Chris Palmatier

Now in its fourth year, The Schroon Lake Chili Cook-Off has grown every year, attracting a diverse range of chilis and chefs, from an ever growing list of towns within the Blue Line.

Ever wonder how we got here? We dug deep into the Schroon Laker archives and found this interview from 2012 with did with Organizer Shelby Davis, about how she came up with the idea for the Cook-Off.

“The cook off is the baby of Shelby Davis, from Shelby’s Kitchen Therapy and partner of Chris Palmatier, of Mr. P’s Mountain Smokehouse. The cook off satisfies a couple of “pet projects” Shelby has been wanting to do.

“I have wanted to do a chili cook off for fun, in the winter when it’s nice and cold and nothing to do, and get a bunch of restaurant people, individuals, civic organizations, churches, get everybody together  and bring their chili,” Shelby told Schroon Laker.

“It was one of those things I was wondering if I could put it together? Then one of our very regular customers offered up his gymnasium at Mountainside Chapel. I looked at the space and it’s huge, we probably have space for 30 – to 35 chili cooks.

“And then I started thinking if we are doing a chili cook off,  we are doing it for a good cause, so started thinking ‘chili’ and ‘fire department’  -- that goes hand in hand. So I contacted the Schroon Lake EMS and they took it to their Commissioner and they said absolutely.

For more information email Shelby here  and check out their website here. What’s your favorite chili? Tell us in comments.

Valentine's Day 2015: A Two Day Celebration

The folks at Sticks and Stones take their food  -- and fun -- seriously. Chef Tony has whipped up a special Valentine’s Menu that’s available all weekend.  Their  regular menu is also available. The restaurant has new special hours for the week ahead: They will  be open for lunch and dinner from February 13th to the 22nd.

More on The 2015 Schroon Chili Cook Off

Got a killer chili recipe? Think it’s the best? Then put it to the test and potentially win a trophy at the 4th Annual Schroon Lake Chili cook-Off. 

The categories are:

*Best Meaty Chili

*Best Veggie Chili

*Best Chili by a Fire/Rescue /EMT Squad

*People’s Choice Award

A panel of local judges decides each award, except of course the People’s Choice. Organizer Chef Shelby Davis hopes this year’s cook off will continue to attract participants from all over the North Country.

“We really want to grow this event and include other towns. I have already had one inquiry from a restaurant in Warrensburg. Last year the Fire and Rescue Trophy was won by a firehouse from Ticonderoga.

“Ideally I’d love to have restaurants from as far north as Westport and south as Queensbury,” Shelby said.

All of the details can be found, here. Registration has been extended to February 13. $30. Free for EMS and Fire Departments.

All tickets and wristbands are available at the door.  

Unlimited tasting wristband $15

Single taste ticket $1

Single bowl tickets $5

Free parking!

Trophy Presentation at 1:15 pm 

Where and When: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm . Mountainside Gymnasium, US Route 9, Schroon Lake, NY 12870

The 2015 Schroon Lake Annual Chili Cook-Off

Organizer chef shelby davis. photo: schroonlaker collection. all rights reserved

There’s an event that foodies and chefs near and far look forward to each February: where taste buds are warmed and reputations defended: The Schroon Lake Annual Chili Cook-Off.

This year’s cook-off is Saturday, February 21st  at the Mountainside Gymnasium, opposite the Paradox Brewery. 

Now in its fourth year, Organizer Shelby Davis is just as excited as she was the first year about the event, which raises funds for Schroon’s EMS.

And as the event has grown each year, Shelby’s mission has been to take it from just a local cook off and expand it include restaurants from within the Blue Line.

“We are reaching out to chefs and their restaurants, diners and dive bars from all over the North Country,” Shelby told Schroon Laker.

Shelby says the more restaurants that participate, it’s a win-win for both attendees and the dining establishments.

“Expanding the cook-off allows chefs from outside of the Schroon area to publicize their restaurants and menus  and find new customers, who in turn get to taste their chili,” Shelby said.

The event also attracts some amazing chilis cooked by area Firehouses and EMS Squads – where bragging rights about who wins is a high honor.

Last year’s event  -- featuring more than 20 chilis -- raised more than  $1200 for the Schroon Lake EMS squad.There are trophies awarded in four categories:  Best Meaty Chili, Best Veggie Chili, Best Chili by a Fire/ EMS/Rescue Squad and the People’s Choice Award.

Fore more information, click here.