These arctic temperatures have us rethinking that healthful salad in favor of something much more warming, comforting and hearty. Something like chili, for example, which has the ingredients for a soul-touching meal all in one pot, including hunks of meat and savory spices in a thick, lip-smacking gravy. You'll find plenty of these comforting bean bowls at this year's NYChiliFest, which will once again fill Chelsea Market with the aroma of long-simmering stews.
They've got a righteous lineup this year, with teams from Butter, Cannibal, Jimmy's No. 43, The Dutch, Pies n Thighs, Roberta's, Mile End Delicatessen and Morris' Grilled Cheese, just to name a few. They'll be cooking up crocks of chili using dry-aged, locally-raised beef and some may also include beans; just look away, Tex-Pats. As always there's a judgement angle, as someone has to be crowned Chili Champ of NYC, but for the rest of us it's just an opportunity to stuff our faces with lots and lots of chili.
The eating unfolds on Sunday, January 26th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $55 for all the chili and Samuel Adams beer you can handle, plus some tunes courtesy of The Dixons and Superbad Brad. Proceeds once again benefit hunger prevention organization Food Systems NYC but don't leave your philanthropic gorgefest for the door—tickets are only available in advance.
