Chefs invited to take part in first ever chilli cook-off

Chefs are being urged to take part in the first ever Americana Chilli Cook-off next month.

Temperatures will be soaring at the All Star Lanes Brick Lane, London, as the cook-off gets underway to crown the Chilli Champion of 2009.

Chefs will also win the chance to have their award-winning chilli as a special on the All Star Lanes Luncheonette Menu.

Chilli lovers will be under the watchful eye of top chefs and food writers including Simon Davis, Dominic Midgley and William Sitwell as well as Hereford Road's Tom Pemberton and All Star Lanes' Chef Steve Collins.

The judging panel will be looking for the best chilli based on aroma, consistency, colour, taste, and aftertaste.

Contestants will be expected to bring their pre-prepared dishes from 11:00am with time to add the final flourishes to their spicy specialities before they set up at their individual stations in the for judging at 13:00pm.

The All Star Lanes' Chef Steve Collins said: "The meat must be good quality, have enough fat, and have that all-round satisfaction. The chilli pepper must have a kick that doesn't overwhelm the whole dish and allows us to taste the variety of chilli. This together with the right level of acidity/sweetness will leave us wanting more, even after we are full- up-which is what chilli is all about."

According to entrant Helen Graves, there are plenty of ways to make a good winning chilli: "The secret to a great chilli is finding the best way to get the flavour from the chillies, not just the heat. I've got a few other tricks up my sleeve too, of course, but I'm not giving them away - I want to win!"

The contest will be taking place on 2 July. presentations of the winners will be held at 2pm.

To take part in the contest contact sheena@pagetbaker.com or dial 0207 323 6963.

Words: Maria Bracken

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