Things to Do in Miami: Eighth Annual Chili Cook-Off at Pinecrest Gardens

Chili lovers, rejoice. One of the most important tasting occasions in South Florida that places the stew in all of its types on full show is again after three years off.

The Eighth Annual Chili Cook-Off is going on Saturday, April 1, from midday to five p.m. at Pinecrest Gardens. The occasion brings collectively professionals – cooks and members of the International Chili Society – and amateurs for various competitions. And, for the general public, samples galore await.

“Sampling chili is just part of the experience here,” Cristina Blanco, government director of Pinecrest Gardens, tells New Times. “Everyone is a judge, and the unique setting of Pinecrest Gardens really makes it special. People often come and make a whole day out of it.”

Blanco says the occasion attracts upwards of three,500 attendees. Its current hiatus is attributed to the International Chili Society’s pause on public-facing occasions amid the pandemic.

This yr, with the pandemic easing, there will likely be greater than a dozen styles of chili to strive, spanning conventional crimson, chili verde, and salsa-styled choices. Confirmed contributors come from South Florida, North Florida, Texas, and different locales. The tastings are included within the value of admission, and every attendee may have an opportunity to vote for his or her favourite. Proceeds from ticket gross sales profit the Police Officer Assistance Trust, which helps officers and their households throughout instances of disaster.

New this yr will likely be a first-responders class through which regulation enforcement and healthcare staff will sq. off to find out the most effective recipe. As of press time, entries for the pro- and first-responders classes are nonetheless being accepted through the Pinecrest Gardens web site.

Beyond chili, there will likely be loads for friends of all ages to dabble in. Pinecrest Gardens simply reopened its higher backyard space, and, for kiddos, it has a newly designed playground space, petting zoo, and pictures exhibit. On the leisure entrance, Miami-based honky-tonkers the 18 Wheelers will carry out.

Other components embody line dancing by Southside Stampede; a basic automobile present; corn and watermelon consuming contests; and, sure, there will likely be a mechanical bull. As for professional ideas for benefiting from such a multifaceted shindig, Blanco says to return hungry and affected person.

“There will be some parking onsite, but we will have free overflow parking and people movers taking people back and forth,” she says. “This will be a very desirable event for so many, so we ask that you come with your patience pants on.”

Pinecrest Gardens Chili Cook-Off. Noon to five p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest; 305-669-6990; pinecrestgardens.org. Tickets price $10 for adults, $8 for kids 17 and underneath, and free for kids 2 and underneath through eventbrite.com.