Two Darien restaurants won the Darien Nature Center’s 4th Annual Chili Challenge on Saturday, the last weekend of summer.
Here’s the announcement from the Darien Nature Center:
Under a tent at the Darien Nature Center on Saturday, Sept. 17, the honor of Darien’s Best Chili was announced as a tie between Jimmy’s Southside and Darien Diner. Best Fire House Chili went to Noroton Heights. Runner up went to Bodega and the Fan Favorite belonged to the Noroton Fire House.
Contestants with the cutting boards of chili glory. (photo from Darien Nature Center)
Darien Diner gets its award (photo from Darien Diner on Facebook)
Judges for the 4th annual Chili Challenge were First Selectwoman Jayme Stevenson, chef and caterer Megan Ruppenstein, chef and caterer Amanda Smith, and Darien’s own Rob Williamson of Uncle’s Deli.
Fan Favorite was chosen by ballot of the 300 guests in attendance.
The evening raised $30,000 to support the work of the Darien Nature Center to promote awareness and appreciation for our natural surroundings and opportunities to experience the outdoors in all its wonders.