A Great Day for Chilli on OldSaybrookNow.com

All photos by Bill Barber.

The results are in! After the closest recorded ballot in the 13-year history of the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce's Chilli-Fest, the winner of Saturday's competition was announced as the Saybrook Point Inn whose chef Carlos Cassar (above) had cooked up the winning entry. Saybrook Point Inn was sponsored by Total Design Source.

Coming in second place was Saybrook Hardware with Chef Richard Wilcox (pictured above) and his delicous offering.

Third place went to Saybrook Health Care and chef Darryl Kenyon (pictured above) who were sponsored by SWAG.

Honorable Mention went to The Monkey Farm chef Debra Corning (pictured above) who was last years' winner.

Holding the signature chilli are Chamber representatives (from left to right) President Carol Hanover, Karen Pinette (Office Manager) and Judy Sullivan (Executive Director.)

Chamber executives said that this year's attendance was significantly increased from last year. The weather also cooperated and all in all, everyone seemed to have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Long-time Old Saybrook resident Irene Smith enjoys a sample ... or two!

There were 22 chefs on Main St. and nine in the Old Saybrook Shopping Center. The number of chefs was "a new record" according to Chamber Director Judy Sullivan. Ballots were purchased to sample the chillis prior to voting and all proceeds benefit the C. Wilfred Hunter Memorial Scholarship. The winners were also allotted a portion of the proceeds to be donated to their favorite charities.

The participating chefs were:

American Legion
Angus McDonald / Gary Sharpe Associates
Aspen Restaurant
Democratic Town Committee
Eastern Shoreline Business Alliance
Estuary Council of Seniors
First Church of Christ Congregational
Genovali Realty
Liberty Bank
North Cove Outfitters
Old Saybrook Boy Scout Troop #51
Old Saybrook High School
Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services
New Deal Steakhouse
Paperback Café
Penny Lane Pub
Pizzemia Ristorante
Rosemary & Sage
Saybrook Hardware
Saybrook Health Care
Super Stop & Shop
The Back Porch
The Monkey Farm Cafe
Vanderbrooke’s Bakers & Caterers
Walt’s Market
Water’s Edge