Jim Hooper with winners of the Gumbo competition Sue Glover, Nicole Collins and Jeane Newberry
Saturday, October 24, 2015 meant the HAPPENING of the 7th Annual Chili & Gumbo Cookoff as staged at Hoop’s new place, Hooper’s Bar & Grille on West Maple Street. And what a happening that was!
Saturday’s weather forecast was a continuation of rain, heavy at times. But that didn’t stop the eager local chefs, determined to show their talents at this Event. Because of the “lousy” weather, the Cookoff was held in the large, concreted area underneath Hoop’s building. And all participating cooks were so pleased to have this sheltered area for the constant stirring and preparation of their chilis and gumbos.
Arriving early in the afternoon one was accosted by a totally unusual wave of many tantalizing aromas; and if that person was semi-cognizant of what those aromas could mean, well, no one is leaving quickly.
Walking further down the outside was the first contestant’s area, as manned by Ginnie and Gerry Lichac and the tantalizing smell from their chili pot made me look for a bowl, quickly. Ginnie is the former President of the Friends of the Library and Gerry, of course, is her avid supporter.
Moving down a line of sites with cooking facilities of all kinds, the assault to my smelling facilities became strong and stronger. While walking and checking and conversing and sampling, I found chili made with lots of ground meat and lots of beer too. And one gumbo was full of fresh seafood, which made it truly remarkable and very tasty too.
But the approaching late afternoon soon became a time for judging with a very distinguished panel of specially selected judges, all of whom came prepared to display their fearless talents to render an unshakable verdict on the many bowls of chili and gumbo. This undaunted group may have started this blind tasting with some trepidation, but their votes were lasting and firm, though some contestants tried to change their minds. Serving on this sterling group of impeccable justices were Stephen Ehler, John Hribek, Dan Whitworth, Becky Haynes and Joyce Skloff. Our thank yous to all, and we hope that the results of all that seasoning did not require several bowls of ice cream to cool things down. But Gerry Lichac was wandering around the guests with cups for sale so that the audience could sample the many dishes and give their completely ignored votes for prizes.
The Showmanship Award was claimed by Coastal Bend Charters with Matt and Kim Jensen doing the work. And they had unusual shoes to fill as Marie Richter and her group had smilingly carried off that award for several years in the past.
A special award in the Margarita Competition went to Abigail Ehler, and I understand her interpretation of that delicious drink was truly original and remarkable. But how did I miss sampling her special brew?
The top three gumbo winners were 3rd place with Dee Woodruff placing once again; 2nd went to Brandi Boriskie and First place by the gals from Austin: Sue Glover, Nicole Collins and Jeanne Newberry showing off their skills with an incredible shrimp, crab and oyster gumbo with a beautiful roux for the incredible base. Mmmmmm!
Chili winners were quite difficult to choose, but the Third Prize was awarded to the “Coastal Bend Charters” and Kim Jensen doing the honors for the group that had captured 3rd prize several years ago, and scoring 1st last year. Second prize was cornered by Peyton Martin being the major stirrer; and the coveted First Prize was claimed by Lynn Turner as he very excitedly got his prize. And we can be assured that all of these winners will return in 2016 to uphold their titles, along with many new challengers.
And following the Awards to so many deserving and hardworking Chefs, the silent auction of many items commenced. Competitive bidding evolved on the various interesting donated items and many concerned bidders watched one person after another return to the same item to increase their bid.
But the biggest kudo of this event goes to Hoop, the proprietor of Hooper’s Bar & Grille. Hoop is known throughout our community for his generous donations for various activities; he has made the Building Fund for our Library the beneficiary of the Cookoff for the past five years as well as this year. It’s the members of our community, like Hoop, who make such a difference in the success of our various organizations, whether the support goes to our graduating high school students; to our Volunteer Fire Department; our Library; Scholarships; help for our local School’s activities and other individuals and projects here in Port O’Connor. But it’s also those that attend these activities; take part in them; or support them in so many ways. A HUGE THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!
And, if you missed the 7th Annual Chili/Gumbo Cookoff this October as held at Hooper’s Bar & Grille, don’t mope and be unhappy. Hoop hasn’t quit yet, so get busy and get your team to start practicing those award-winning recipes, and we will look forward to seeing you in October of 2016!
1st Place Chili – Lynn Turner
Margarita Champion
Abigail Ehler
Showmanship Coastal Bend Charters
The Annual Chili & Gumbo Cookoff was a huge success in spite of the torrential rain. Our thanks go out to the cooking teams, those who donated items for our silent auction, our board and committee members who worked hard on this effort and all the loyal folks of POC who came out in spite of the weather!
Words cannot express our gratitude to Jim Hooper for his continuing support of the POC Library. We appreciate you Hoop and we wish you great success in your new location. Not to mention, we are so excited that your delicious hamburgers are back! THANKS TO ALL!
Pam Ray, Fundraising Chair
Judy Whitworth, President,
Friends of the POC Library, Inc.
