North Fork Chili Cook-Off Heats Up at Greenport Harbor Brewing in Peconic

Clam chowder contests are a common sight on the East End, popping up over the years in Montauk, East Hampton, Westhampton Beach, Sag Harbor, Greenport and elsewhere, giving chowder fans numerous opportunities to indulge in their favorite cold-season dish. For local chili fans, few events can sate their craving.

Ever since Hampton Bays ended its Chili/Chowder Contest in 2019, there has been one major East End chili contest to look forward to, which means that fans should’ve already cleared their schedule on Sunday, February 4 of any event not named “North Fork Chili Cook-Off.”

Hosted by Greenport Harbor Brewing Company (GHBC) at their Peconic location, “this fun competition was created in 2018 to celebrate the local eateries who support our brewery all year long, and to provide a delicious community get-together during a very chilly time of the year,” the GHBC team explains.

The sixth annual competition heats up on Sunday, February 4 from noon–4 p.m. with a strong roster of popular North Fork restaurants competing for top honors. The 2024 competitors include Alpina (Greenport), Green Hill Kitchen & Que (Greenport), Ellen’s on Front (Greenport), Little Creek Oysters (Greenport), PORT Waterfront Bar & Grill (Greenport), Lucharitos (Greenport), Little Fish (Southold) and the all-new Biggie’s Lunch (Southold), which opened January 25.

Like Dan’s GrillHampton and similar culinary competitions, the North Fork Chili Cook-Off is offering two coveted prizes: the People’s Choice Award, voted upon by event attendees, and the Judge’s Choice Award, voted upon by a panel of five esteemed judges.

This year’s judges include Leanne Weber, lead bartender at GHBC and NoFo Chili Cook-Off champion; Sarah Mastrocco, Emmy-nominated food television producer; Chef Ryan Hardy, founder and CEO of the Delicious Hospitality Group; Chef Chris Kar, head chef at The Dimon Estate in Jamesport; and Chef Luchi Masliah, founder and proprietor of Mattituck’s GoodFood.

New to this year’s event is a separate competition for local fire departments, with each team cooking up their own secret recipe in hopes of smoking the competition and earning either the Judge’s Choice Award for First Responders or the People’s Choice Award for First Responders. And though the chili cooks on this side of the event lack the notoriety of the chefs in the restaurant competition, they have passion and talent to spare.

“As a former graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, cooking has always been a passion of mine,” states 2024 competitor Albie DeKerillis, first assistant chief of the Greenport Fire Department and 30-year member of the Standard Hose Co. “While I can put together some great meals and delicious pastries, I’ve not yet tried my hand at making a killer chili, so I am really excited for this year’s First Responders trophy competition.”

Adding more spice to this spicy event, the GHBC brewery team is whipping up a batch of Hot Sauce IPA, made with locally grown Thai bird chilis, that will be offered alongside a wide variety of craft beers, canned cocktails and local wines.

Tickets are $25 at bit.ly/4aRTHHu and include all the chili attendees can eat. More info can be found at greenportharborbrewing.com/events.

MORE FUN THIS WEEK

While navigating the Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. events calendar for NoFo Chili Cook-Off details, one will likely notice another event rounding out the week that kicks off with the Sunday chili contest. On Saturday, February 10, noon–4 p.m., GHBC is hosting their spin on Valentine’s Day: Flanneltine’s Day.

The event features beer and food specials, a limited supply of pre-loved flannels, brewery tours, tarot card readings, live music by the roaring fire and a local artisans market showcasing flowers, chocolates, cookies, poetry, jewelry, art, knits, embroidery and more Valentine’s gift ideas.

And the price of admission? Attendees just need to bring a non-perishable food item to help fill up the GHBC van with a sizeable donation to the CAST (Center for Advocacy, Support and Transformation) food pantry in Southold. Enjoying a fun, romantic evening with a special someone while showing a little brotherly love to neighbors in need — is there a more “North Fork” way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

As the GHBC team puts it: “Our Flanneltine’s Day brings together many of the things we love locally — artisans with handcrafted items for sale, live music by the Real East End Brass Band, festive food and drink — while also providing some much-needed love and support to our neighbors in need. We ask all guests to bring non-perishable food items to fill up our old delivery van for CAST.”

Both the North Fork Chili Cook-Off and Flanneltine’s Day take place at Greenport Harbor Brewing Company’s second location at 42155 Main Road, Peconic. To learn more about the North Fork brewery, visit greenportharborbrewing.com.