Geneva chili cook-off turns on heat to help firefighters

Want some spice with your chardonnay?

The FoxFire restaurant in Geneva will host its second-annual Five Alarm Chili Cook-off Sept. 11.

Timed with the end of the Festival of the Vine, proceeds will go toward the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

FoxFire Co-owner K.C. Gulbro said organizers wanted to help firefighters, especially after an April 2007 adjacent law office that — if left unchecked — could have destroyed the restaurant.

“If that fire went out further, there wouldn’t be a FoxFire,” he said.

Organizers have expanded the cook-off since the inaugural event last year drew nearly 30 cooks and raised $700 from $5 donations.

“It was a really big event,” Gulbro said, adding this year’s fundraising goal is at least $1,000. “This year, were actually shutting the kitchen down.”

Last year’s event had one trophy, but this year features three categories: amateur for the public; culinary for restaurants and trained chefs; and People’s Choice Award where people spend $1 to vote for their favorite dish.

Gulbro said the first contest drew entries from area firehouses, restaurants and the public.

“There’s a wide variety of (chilis). Some are hot, some aren’t very hot,” he said.

A panel of five judges will decide the first two categories. Prizes include a traveling trophy and gift certificates.

Sunday is the deadline for contestants to enter for free. Cooks must have a full crock pot of chili ready to serve by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11, along with a serving spoon.

After the judging, the public can sample the entries for a $5 donation. The evening also will feature a 50-50 raffle and live music at the restaurant, 17 W. State St.

For more information, visit foxfiregeneva.com or call (630) 232-1369.

If you can’t make it but still want to help, go to firehero.org to make a donation.