He may be in his “golden years” but Howard “Boots” Alwine (75) still moves around the kitchen faster than most folks half his age. And he cooks better than most too! “Boots” will be entering the sixth annual “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest” for the third year in a row. After being “shut out” from the awards, he’s hoping the third time “is the charm!”
The event raises funds to help homeless animals at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society and pits area restaurants and pubs against each other in a chili cook-off (Sunday, November 19 at Burgi’s Roundhouse, Altoona) with trophies, plaques and “bragging rights” as prizes.
Meanwhile, across town, the bragging rights last year went to the folks at Tyrone’s Bull Pen who scored twice (3rd place, “Best Bowl” and 2nd place “People’s Choice”) with their “Bull Pen Chili.” They’re hoping to best Boots again this year, but the competition is friendly and all in fun. And “chili chef” Kerry Sickler is pinning her hopes on a repeat by offering a second choice for diners this year. She calls it “El Toro Caliente” (the hot bull!). Kerry says her recipes vary based on the types of chilis she finds to cook up the spicy dishes.
In addition to Racer’s and the Bull Pen, this year features new entries from Magoo’s (Cresson) with “Shovelhead”chili and “Mountain Madness”. Also new will be competition from Altoona’s Black & Gold Tavern offering up “Red Zone” chili and “Jamaican Jerk” chili from Club Coconuts (Altoona). Returning competitors include The Heidelberg Country Club (“HCC Tex/Mex Style” chili and “Three Bean Chili”), the U.S. Hotel Restaurant & Tavern (Hollidaysburg) with “Holy Habanero!” chili, The Phoenix (a previous “Best Bowl” winner) serving up an all-new offering this year they call “You’re Not Man Enough!” and host restaurant Burgi’s Roundhouse with “Diesel Fuel” and “Steam Engine” chili.
The event will also feature raffle prizes and a 50/50 with entertainment provided by perennial local favorite “Zupe” (the one-man-band).
Top prize at the cook-off (“Best Bowl”) is a traveling trophy awarded to the best chili as chosen by a celebrity judging panel. The “People’s Choice” award is given on the basis of votes as cast by party-goers.
“This year we have a very special event we know will be a crowd-pleaser,” says Dave Hopkins, CPHS Director of Fundraising/Public Relations and ChiliFest organizer. “Joe Murgo (TV10 Chief Meteorologist) will be challenging local radio legend Dick DiAndrea (WALY) and sidekick “Eddie Ray” to a special and separate ‘grudge match cook-off’ to be decided by those who sample and vote. We know it’s going to be a tough competition but also a lot of fun! Joe has won all three previous individual competitions but Dick says his chili will be tops!” says Hopkins. Joe calls his chili “Murgo’s Meltdown” with Dick using a name offered by one of his listeners, “Dick’s Chili ‘Ray’ Venge!”
The event always features a celebrity judging panel that this year will consist of Sam Zema (Daily Herald), Altoona Mirror General Manager Neil Rudel, Johnstown Tribune-Democrat editorial page Editor, Bruce Wissinger, Craig “The Iceman” Andrews (Q-94 radio), Elsie Zengel (Altoona Curve), Doug Herendeen (WRTA radio) and Roger Corey (WALY radio).
“And our star panelist….just in case….is our favorite gastroenterologist, Dr. Ralph McKibbin!” added Hopkins.
The Herald’s Zema said, “I’m really looking forward to this event again this year. After having participated in the last two years, I feel I’m a veteran now and my stomach is ready for just about anything they have to offer. I’m more than glad to participate in this worthwhile event to benefit CPHS.”
Hopkins says “prime sponsors” for the event this year are City Beverage and New Look Uniform. Additional sponsors include the Gingrich Agency, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Brew Zoo, Blair Orthopedics Associates & Sports Medicine, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Blair Insurance, Blair Candy Company and V.I.P. Pets and Aquarium.
Tickets for the all-you-can eat event (beginning at 7 p.m.) are $12 and can be purchased at The Daily Herald, the CPHS Shelter (1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd.), the CPHS Thrift Shop (220 E. Walton Ave., Altoona), Chris’ Hallmark (Pleasant Valley Shopping Center), V.I.P. Pets/Aquarium and all competing restaurants/pubs.
All proceeds from the event go to help the homeless animals at the CPHS shelter.
For more information on the event, contact Dave Hopkins at 942-2477.
