WHAT IS CASI?

CASI stands for Chili Appreciation Society International.  These are the folks that hold the biggest cook-off in the US every year in Terlingua, Texas. Anyone who would like to become a member of CASI should visit www.casichili.net. 

 

IS THE COOK-OFF OPEN TO ANYONE?

Yes! There is space for 75 chili teams, so it is first come, first reserved. Registration can be done in advance using the Registration Form or will be onsite beginning at 9:30 am. Cash or $20 checks will be accepted.

 

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?

Registration is $20. Your registration fee covers one 12x12 space in which to set up your covered cooking area. We will provide electricity if specified on your application. Teams will be responsible for providing their own equipment including cover for cooking area, chairs, tables, and all cooking supplies (no open fire for cooking). All teams must provide a fire extinguisher.  

 

WHERE DO I PARK?

Each team can bring in one vehicle into the park. The Cook-Off Entrance is located at the intersection of Farmers Branch Lane and Bee Street (2540 Farmers Branch Lane). Additional vehicles can be parked at Metro Square Business Park, 12300 Ford Road (free shuttles will be provided).

 

WHAT ARE THE COOK-OFF CATEGORIES?

There are four categories that will be judged: Chili, People’s Choice, Pot of Beans, and Show Team

• Chili (CASI rules): These are the chili teams competing for the top 10 winning cups. Chili will be judged on Aroma, Consistency, Red Color, Taste, and Aftertaste. This is a ground beef only competition, so no fillers (beans, pasta, etc) may be added. Chili must be cooked onsite using the CASI rules. Chili will be turned in to the judges at 2:00 pm.

• People’s Choice: This is the chili team that is chosen as the crowd favorite. The People’s Choice voting ballots are passed out when a sample cup is purchased (one ballot per sample cup). You must indicate on your registration form that you want to be considered for "People's Choice." Make sure you bring plenty of “throw down” chili - we will have 200 hungry tasters! People’s Choice opens at 12:00 pm for sampling. We will provide a one-ounce scoop to serve your samples with.

• Pot of Beans: This is a totally separate pot of just beans. Registration is $5 for beans. These teams are competing for the top 3 winning cups of beans. There are no restrictions and anything can be used. Beans will have cash prizes!  50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd and 20% for 3rd. 

• Show Team: This is a chili team that not only cooks chili, but is also entertaining and has some skit or theme. You must indicate on your registration form that you want to be considered for “Show.” Top three show teams will get prizes so get creative and have fun! 

 

WHAT IS "THROW DOWN CHILI?"

This is the chili used for the sampling cups for the public; you will be eligible to compete in the People’s Choice category if you provide throw down chili. This is also the biggest way to help Bloomin’ Bluegrass raise money for our non-profit organizations: The Friends of the Farmers Branch Historical Park and Bluegrass Heritage Foundation. We will provide a

half-ounce scoop to serve your samples with, just be sure to reserve enough for the judging cup (a large Styrofoam cup is about 14-16 oz). The Top 3 winners will get a Visa gift card.

 

WHAT CAN I WIN?

• Chili (CASI rules): 1st Place - $100 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque - 2nd Place - $75 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque - 3rd Place - $50 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque - 4th-10th Place - $25 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque

• People’s Choice: 1st Place - $250 Visa Gift Card & Plaque - 2nd Place - $200 Visa Gift Card & Plaque - 3rd Place - $150 Visa Gift Card & Plaque

• Pot of Beans: 1st Place - 50%, 2nd Place - 30% and 3rd Place - 20% of the bean registration fee.

• Show Team: 1st Place - $100 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque - 2nd Place - $75 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque -3rd Place - $50 Walmart Gift Card & Plaque

 

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE COOK-OFF?

8:30 am - 10:00 am     Set Up & Cooking Begins (Vehicles will not be permitted to drive in after 10:00 am)

9:30 am                         Registration begins

10:30 am                       Head Cooks Meeting & Show Team Meeting

11:30 am                       Festival Gates Open

12:00 pm                       Begin Serving Chili for People's Choice - Show Teams Begin

1:00 pm                         Bean Turn In

2:00 pm                         Chili Turn In

3:30 pm                         Award Winners

 

Prohibited Items:

• No glass

• No pets

• No outside alcoholic beverages

• No firearms

 

Event will take place rain or shine. All teams and exhibitors are responsible for cleaning up their area.

 

For more information about the Bloomin’ Bluegrass Chili Cook-Off:

Contact Kristen Nowak at kristen.nowak@farmersbranchtx.gov or call (972) 919-2622