When the Jerky Takedown was announced recently, our heart soared at the prospect of a cook-off that didn’t involve warmed-over victuals scarfed off a soggy paper plate, with Sterno cans as far as the eye could see. However, judging by the roster of restaurants taking part in Chelsea Market’s just-announced NYC Chili Fest 2011, this case of cook-off fatigue must be just us. Over twenty eateries — from Blue Ribbon Bakery to Co. to Mile End — have signed on to proffer a pot o’ beans at the Dickson’s Farmstand Meats– and Cleaver Company–hosted throwdown on January 30, with Brooklyn Brewery suds and live music accompanying (tickets and full details here).
And that’s not all. Java heads can head to RBC on January 20 at 7:30 p.m. (7:15 if you’re competing) to strut their skillz at the shop’s tricked-out pour-over bar, with a panel of local baristas judging. There’ll also be a sneak peek of the soon-to-launch Luminaire LB-1 brewer, which you might like if the Über-boiler is already your bag. However, our knowledge of physics doesn’t extend far enough to explain how this thing works, so you’ll have to ask one of your coffee-nerd friends, or check it out in person.
