At 73, Howard “Boots” Alwine knows his way around the kitchen. Alwine spends a lot of his time these days handling cooking chores at his daughter’s restaurant, Racer’s Sports Bar and Restaurant at the Bald Eagle intersection.
Five years ago Gail Monahan and her husband Wayne put their love of serving and entertaining people to the test by buying Racer’s. They haven’t looked back. Now they’re looking ahead and getting involved in this year’s “Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest 2004” to benefit the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
Boots has been making chili for the past 40 years or so and since he started serving it up at Racer’s, the spicy dish has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds.
“Our most popular menu item is our chili fries,” says Boots.
The hearty beef and bean chili is ladled over a large batch of french fries and served to hungry bar patrons regularly. The chili is also popular by itself, according to Boots. So much so, that the recipe isn’t “available.” In fact, he keeps it hidden!
And while Gail and Wayne are counting on Boots’ chili to be a hit at the CPHS ChiliFest as a first-time entry, they’re excited about another entry as well. Some months back Gail and Wayne made another major investment. They acquired Louie’s Coral Lounge (Rt. 22, Williamsburg), the long-time landmark restaurant that’s a sentimental favorite of diners from both Blair and Huntingdon counties.
Louie’s will also be represented at the ChiliFest scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 7 in Altoona. Gail says although they now own both establishments, the chilis will be different and distinct.
“We want to show a little friendly competition between the restaurants and let the public decide which they like better,” says Gail.
Managers and employees of both establishments are looking forward to the event, according to Gail.
The fourth annual “all you can eat” Satan’s Revenge ChiliFest will be held at a new location this year; the 10,000 square-foot Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille (E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. in the Greenwood section of Altoona).
The cook-off will feature offerings from The Phoenix (winner’s of the 2002 “Best Bowl” trophy) with a new variety this year called (“White Lightnin’’’), Altoona Hotel (last year’s “Best Bowl” winner with “El Diablo Chipotle”), Michael’s Café (first year “Best Bowl” winner with “Michael’s Madness” chili), Uriah’s Pub (first year “People’s Choice” winner with “Tijuana Red”), T.G.I. Fridays (Altoona) with “Freaky Fridays Chili” Burgi’s Roundhouse (“Locomotive Breath” and “Riker’s Island Chili”) and back again after winning “Peoples Choice,” for the past two years, the Altoona Fire Department with “Flashover Chili” from veteran fireman Rick Weidlich, “Pit Stop Chili” from new entrants Racer’s Sports Bar & Restaurant (Bald Eagle) and “Louie’s Legendary Chili” from Louie’s Coral Lounge (Williamsburg).
Also featured this year will be a special “mano-a-mano” cook-off between WTAJ-TV Meteorologist Joe Murgo and ChiliFest founder/organizer and Executive Director of CPHS, Dave Hopkins. Guests will be encouraged to sample chili from both, then vote for their favorite.
“The winner gets a really ugly trophy,” says Hopkins.
Last time they competed (two years ago) Murgo won the contest by two votes.
Again this year, event goers will be treated to a variety of music from Zupe, the “one-man-band” according to organizers. Zupe’s music has been featured on network television shows and made the hit charts in Europe.
“He’s an amazing talent and we’re proud to have him for the fourth year running,” says Hopkins.
Another feature of the event is the special celebrity guest judging panel. The group this year includes: WJAC-TV News Anchor Marty Radovanic, Dr. Ralph McKibbin (Gastroenterologist), WTAJ-TV weatherman Tom Casey, Altoona Police Deputy Chief Mitch Cooper, Altoona Neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Moncman, WALY radio personality Roger Corey (with occasional sidekick known as “Eddie Ray,”) sportswriter Neil Rudel (Altoona Mirror), WPRR disc jockey “Jimmy V,” WATM/WWCP-TV Meteorologist Travis Koshko, WBXQ (Q-94) radio D.J. Craig Andrews, Tyrone Daily Herald staff writer Sam Zema and Altoona Mirror writer/editor Linda Gracey.
All guests will automatically be eligible for a variety of door prizes and can also purchase 50/50 chances.
This year’s sponsors include: W.S. Lee & Sons, the Brew Zoo, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, Burgmeier Hauling, Coors Light & Inco Beverage, the Gingrich Agency, Blair Insurance, Condon’s Auto Repair, Viponds Appliance, Splish Splash Pet Wash, Brew Zoo and Dr. Michael Moncman.
Tickets for ChiliFest 2004 are $12 each and can be bought at participating restaurants or at the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society (942-2477 or 942-5402) and some area businesses (call for locations).
Tickets must be purchased in advance; none will be sold at the door. The event is open to those 21 and over in age. The cook-off gets underway at 7 p.m. at Burgi’s Roundhouse Bar & Grille on E. Pleasant Valley Blvd. in the Greenwood section of Altoona.
The event is sponsored by Splish Splash Pet Wash, Dr. Ralph McKibbin, the Gingrich Agency, Burgmeier Hauling, the Brew Zoo, Abby & Maggie Moncman, Viponds Appliance, Condon’s Auto Repair, Blair Insurance, W.S. Lee & Sons, Inc., Coors Light (Inco Beverage) and New Look Uniform.
