Oceanside Ale Works, First Annual Chili Cook-off, Freedom Celebration

Oceanside, CA – July 5, 2008. Oceanside Ale Works was proud to host the First Annual Independence Day Chili Cook-off at the brewery Saturday. The brewery, hidden, in the manner that it is in the industrial area of south Oceanside, was host to the hallmark event of this world-class brewery. A warehouse with huge brew tanks, a few chairs in the back, and a score of pop-up tents for the event was the site of the yummiest chili feed ever. There was plenty of standing room walking from pot to pot, tasting scrumptious yummies, and chatting with friends and family last weekend.

Festivities began at 10:00 with the homemade chili brewing in pots, chili masters pouring over their secret receipts, and early sampling in the back alley of the brewery. Beer began to flow, some inside the chili, and some inside thirsty mouths. The Cook-off featured over 14 entries in an open division. Participants were judged on five key features of their chili, including the aroma, consistency, color, aftertaste and overall flavor, with local celebrity judges. One main category was the Fifty Barrels, Inc. Winery Choice Award (formally known as Carlsbad Coastal Winery). Also, the People's Choice Award was a main category that was a big hit. The Cook-off also featured live music on the back promenade, which started at 2:00.

These chili folks are true food geniuses. I tasted so many different chilies, to include Santa Fe Chili, Tri-Tip Chili, Super Caliente Chili, Ostrich & Venison Chili by local restaurant P's and Q's, and I have yet to find one that I was not fond of. If you're a fan of the beer, then you must try OAW brews too. I indulged in all of the above. There were so many delicious choices at OAW. The only place left was to sit with my big belly in the pool. Now with the first annual chili cook-off over, what is in store next? It was a grand event. I apologize for all who could not come to enjoy the food, the beer, and the family fun on a warm and sunny Independence Day.

And the Winners are:

#1 Tri Ti & Venison - Chefs: Gerard Reski and Dub Kinnick
#2 Wild Oceanside Blonde - Chef: Adam Sweet
#3 Grandpa's - Chef: well you know dad
Winemakers Award: Sloth's Revenge - Chef: Pete Brunda
People's Choice: AAA - Chefs: Lyndon and Melissa