Chocolate the Key in Firehouse Chili Cook-Off

Hats off to Chicago's new chili champions.

Chicago's Rock Bottom was packed Tuesday night for the 15th Annual Chicago Fire Chief All Chili Cook-off.

Firefighter Clarence Norwood won the top honors for Chicago's Fire Engine 98, with a little help from Chef Sean Tehrani from theBasil Leaf Café

.

Tehrani was no shoe-in. The Italian restaurant chef said it was only the third time he’s ever made chili.

"Three different kinds of meats, buffalo sausage, pulled pork, ground beef and four different kinds of beans," Tehrani said.

It was a bold recipe, but it was their secret ingredient that set them apart: chocolate.

Will the winning entry make an appearance on Basil Leaf's menu?

"I wasn’t planning on it, but it seems like I might have to now," Tehrani said.  "An Italian restaurant that sells chili. It is what it is."

Proceeds from the event benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Contact Us