On February 27, just before spring break, about 40 technology professionals came out for the Michigan Technology Chili Cook-Off to enjoy a relaxing lunch and vote for their favorite chili. Eight brave and generous colleagues submitted their chilis for the attendees’ judgment.
“I had an amazing time connecting with new people in the Michigan technology community while competing in a chili cook-off.”
Don DuChateau II, Ross IT
After all the tasting was done and the votes were tallied, we had not three, but four winners!
About 40 technology professionals came out to the Arbor Lakes Dome to enjoy a relaxing lunch and vote for their favorite chili.
Don DuChateau II of Ross IT took 1st place with his Pitmaster’s Stout Brisket Chili, followed closely by Jennifer Herron of ITS with Easy Turkey Chili for 2nd place. Two vegan chilis TIED for 3rd place: Jeenali Kothari of ITS with her Plant-Powered Chili and Tyra High of Wolverine Pathways with Chili w Beans – Hold the Beef.
“I truly enjoyed the camaraderie and the creativity in everyone’s recipes.”
Jeenali Kothari, ITS
Trya said of her vegan chili, “Going plant-based for most of my meals challenges me to try new variations on classics. Using lentils, tofu, and soy sauce, as recommended by Yeung Man Cooking on YouTube, in this recipe gives a renewed flavor profile. Sharing it with everyone at this cookoff was the best bonus to taking on the challenge of plant-based life. Can’t wait to do this again.”
Jeenali added, “I was thrilled to enter the competition with my vegan chili, and I’m delighted that it was well-received, earning me a third-place tie with Tyra, who also made a fantastic vegan chili. I truly enjoyed the camaraderie and the creativity in everyone’s recipes. These events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues in person and learn something new. I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
Back in Ross IT, Don is already being asked to bring his chili to the next staff potluck. Don said, “I had an amazing time connecting with new people in the Michigan technology community while competing in a chili cook-off. Tasting all eight unique chili recipes was a blast, and winning first place was an unexpected but exciting bonus! Looking forward to more great Michigan Technology Community events in the future!”
Photographer: Lisa Leutheuser
Congratulations to our four winners, and a big thank you to all of our chili contributors, as the Chili Cook-Off could not have happened without you!
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