(Opinion) FSJ Eats with Ed: You want me to be a chili judge?

HUDSON’S HOPE, B.C. — Everytime I think of chili, it almost always refers to an episode of The Simpsons.

You know the one I’m talking about – where Marge goes out of her way (even turning to cigarette smoking) to avoid the inevitable plot device where Homer discovers he’s missing the Springfield annual chili cook-off?

Insanely spicy fictional chili peppers, Homer breaking a promise to his wife and a rather psychedelic visit from a coyote voiced by late country music legend Johnny Cash happen during this half-hour treatment, which is a regular on my late night Disney+ re-watches.

Either way, when I pitched a story on the second annual Hudson’s Hope Chili Cook-Off, I never thought the manager of the venue, Diania Harris of the Legacy Village Market, would do more than invite me to the event. 

Harris – who also organized the cook-off – asked: Would I be willing to come and judge whose chili was the best?

Obviously, this series is entitled FSJ Eats with Ed, so I said yes. Thus, I got in the Moose Media-mobile and headed south to Hudson’s Hope to sample some chili.

Only one thing: aside from the occasional fight card (which I amateurly collaborate with my brother back east) or an upcoming football game, I have never judged in my life.

Fortunately, Harris was able to hand out criteria for what she wanted to rate entrants on: presentation, smell, flavour, texture and heat, for a total of 25 points.  

Flanked on either side of the judge’s table by Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce manager Naomi Larsen (who, I discovered, had 27-plus years as a journalist) and Dawson Creek retiree Doris May, who spent years in Texas (and also had an incredible weight loss journey), entrants could be awarded a score of up to 75.

While scores were not revealed at the event, here’s the list of entrants:

Entrant: Maverick’s Bar and Grill.
Chili name: Maverick’s Smoking Chili.
Charity: Hudson’s Hope Minor Hockey Association.

The team from Maverick’s Bar and Grill were the overall winners. Chris Siemens, owner and proprietor of Maverick’s Bar and Grill, has been cooking chili for over a decade.

His entry was cooked to perfection and had the perfect type of fire you want on a hot summer day. Putting it to simmer on the smoker gave it a nice, extra kick.

Entrant: Lalo’s.
Chili name: Mexican Chili.
Charity: Friends of Hudson’s Hope Thrift Store.

Retiree Nedra Forrester claimed she has been cooking chili for over “50 years” and said the magic ingredient in her chili is “love.”

“My husband asks me why am I stirring so much,” Forrester said. “I tell him I’m stirring in the love.”

While she was hampered by shoddy cooking equipment (a replacement barbecue had to be found for her), her entry screamed chili.

From the sour cream and chives to the tortilla chips, she might have been champion had Maverick’s not entered the contest. But the love definitely had me wanting to reach for seconds.

Entrant: Cameron Lake Whiskey Jacks.
Chili name: Peppers Chili.
Charity: Cameron Lake Outdoor Education Centre.

These kids, named Oscar and Inga, were the youngest entrants in the competition. Coached by their mother, Loren Henry, the seven- and nine-year-olds were raising funds for a new paddle board at the outdoor education centre. 

“This is the one meal [Oscar has] really dove into,” said Henry. “It’s his forte.”

No kidding. These budding little culinary wizards not only cooked, but their presentation didn’t include sour cream and cheese in the bowl for the judges. Rather, they brought a helping of both on the side for the panel to add at their discretion. It was a nice touch.

Solid all around, but I found the texture to be a little chalky. Maybe next year these two will have enough experience to out-cook the rest.

Entrant: Pacific Canbriam Energy. 

Chili name: Magic Mouth Chili. 

Charity: Hudson’s Hope Minor Hockey Association.

This team participated in last year’s event, and received an honourable mention. When asked by squad mates Ryan Sephton and Jake Crow, I’m told “they can’t reveal” the edge. 

“There are competitors around here,” said Sephton. “We can’t reveal that knowledge.”

Nonetheless, the presentation was solid, but not spectacular. The smell, however, was flat and not intoxicating.  

Solid flavour but the texture was too liquidy, and there was no fire to this. This might be a magical chili, fellas, but it’s not in my mouth.

Entrant: Butler Ridge Energy Services. 

Chili name: Chili Dogs Chili. 

Charity: Silver Willow Court seniors’ home.

Grandmother and granddaughter Pamela and Aubrielle Adams rocked their matching pink hair and pink skirts for their entry, which was named after chili dogs, another summertime ball park treat.

Solid presentation again. The smell was good and the flavour was very good, but I found the texture and heat lacking. 

Entrant: Doll’s Diner. 

Chili name: Aloha Chili. 

Charity: United Way’s Better at Home program.

This entrant was a family affair, as local law enforcement officer Cara Volz brought her mom, June Garcia and nephews, with a 1950s theme, which was complete with uniforms.

Garcia, originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, says her palette isn’t for “spice” and the sweet pineapple in this dish clearly shows her tastes.

It’s too sweet, and pineapple shouldn’t go with chili. But that’s just my opinion.

I left Hudson’s Hope and headed home, with my belly fully stuffed.

Although, after sizing up the competitors from 2025, don’t be too shocked if there’s another entrant next year.