AARTI SEQUEIRA, HOST OF FOOD NETWORK’S AARTI PARTY, TO JUDGE BEVERLY HILLS FARMER’S MARKET 17th ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF AUGUST 7

What:   Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market celebrates its 17th Anniversary and annual Chili Cook-off on Sunday, August 7, 2011. The perfect Summer event for the whole family to enjoy, attractions include musical entertainment, a corn shucking contest, and free chili sampling. Chili Cook-Offs are all the rage, but no one does it like the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market. People have been crafting recipes all year, waiting in anticipation to showcase a family recipe or a new creation of their own and win 1st place. The Chili Cook-Off attracted more than 6,000 attendees in 2010. Locals and visitors alike enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the sun eating chili and participating in the fun.

Last year’s 1st place recipe was delicious Vegetarian Chili. Other winning recipes include a pork chili and ‘Big Texas Red’ which featured beef, pork, and jalapeno. All winning recipes will be posted on the City of Beverly Hills website.

Aarti Sequeira, host of Food Network’s Aarti Party and winner of Season 6 of the Next Food Network Star will be one of the esteemed judges for the event. A dedicated foodie all her life and a journalist by education and trade, she takes her food knowledge, love for cooking, and enthusiasm for sharing information to the masses in her Food Network cooking series, Aarti Party. On this show she surprises viewers with unexpected flavors and techniques to expand their palates and culinary repertoire by imparting her knowledge of Indian cuisine and putting an approachable spin on all-American classics.

The Chili Cook-Off is open to amateurs only and limited to 20 contestants. Contestants must fill out and submit an application available at www.beverlyhills.org. There is a $35 application fee. Any kind of homemade chili is welcome and all types of ingredients may be used such as meats, spices, vegetables, beans, pasta, etc. However, no ingredient may be pre-cooked and no canned or commercial chili is allowed. Meat may be marinated, pre-cut or ground but it cannot be pre-cooked. Contestants must cook their chili on site beginning at 6:30am. A panel of distinguished judges will judge the contest. Judging begins at 11:00 am and the winners will be announced at noon.

When: August 7, 2011, 9:00am to 1:00pm

Where: Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market

            9300 Civic Center Drive

            2 hours free parking at Civic Center, 450 N. Rexford Drive

How:    Applications and rules for Chili Contest available at www.beverlyhills.org            

1st place - $275

            2nd place - $150

            3rd place - $75

            Winner of corn shucking contest - $25 of Market Money

            FREE samples of chili to patrons after judging!

Additional Information: Contact Market Management, 310-285-6830