Over 150 people from dozens of towns gathered at the Friends of the Blue Hills’ Winter Fest last Tuesday, February 26th at the Blue Hills Ski Area. While participants enjoyed Irish music performed by Songs For Ceilidh, downhill skiing and a night hike, local restaurants and cooks vied for the coveted title of Best Chili Chef. Event attendees tasted five delicious chili made by G.H. Bent Co. (Milton), The Halfway Cafe (Canton), Cooking in the Great Outdoors (greatoutdoorscooking.net) and Queen Anne’s Catering (Canton).
The chili judges included Reps Walter Timilty and Bruce Ayers, Canton Police Chief Kenneth Berkowitz, historian and Canton resident George Comeau, Randolph Town Council President Paul Meoni and Milton Selectman Robert Sweeney.
While the judges are more known for their love and support of the Blue Hills than their culinary gifts, they nevertheless heartily enjoyed the weighty task of choosing their favorite flavor. Milton Selectman Sweeney admitted that it was a “very difficult choice,” but that Queen Anne’s Catering won first prize. Apparently, the public officials were accurately representing the people, since the hungry public attending the event also voted for Queen Anne’s Catering. Most people probably felt like 16-year-old Jasmine Garani, who is a student Board member of FBH. When asked which was her favorite chili, Jasmine responded: “I like them all.”
The event helped celebrate the Blue Hills, with Quincy City Councilor Brian Palmucci presenting awards to the ‘Seasons of the Blue Hills Photo contest winners. Councilor Palumucci, a frequent visitor to the Blue Hills, praised the photos as “a wonderful way to capture the beauty of the Reservation.” Council Palmucci presented first prize award to18-year-old Julia Himmel from Quincy, who received a $250 gift certificate to LLBean. He also presented Runner Up award to Diana McNamara an REI backpack.
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