Meadowlands Racetrack Crowns 2022 Traditional Red Chili & Salsa Champs

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Twenty cooks entered Meadowlands Racetrack’s Annual Chili Cook-Off Saturday night, all vying for the $2,850 in cash prizes and coveted spots in the International Chili Society’s 2022 World Championship.

Chili cook-off veteran and reigning ICS Veggie Chili world champion, Nathan Gramm of Dillsburg, PA took home the $1,000 grand prize for his traditional red chili beating out 19 other competitors in the category.

Amber Willis, a WCS veteran, finished in second place for her traditional red and took home $500 while Aaron Pollack took home $250 for third place.

Home cook and 2019 World Food Champion, Rocky Julianelle from East Haven, CT, took home the $500 salsa grand prize.

Chris Johnson, an ICS final table judge, took home second place with her fruit inspired salsa and veteran competitor Judith Omerza took home the $250 third place prize.

Both the traditional red and salsa grand prize winners also qualified for the International Chili Society’s World 2022 Championships.

The $250 People’s Choice prize went to repeat champion, Rob Quinones.

“It was another great event here at the Meadowlands Racetrack,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “It was great to see fans back in our building for both racing and our promotions.  Our chili event was a great sign of things to come in 2022.”

For upcoming events and promotions, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.

Photo: L-R: R. Quinones, People’s Choice; R. Julianelle, Salsa Champ; N. Gramm, Traditional Red Champ; A. Pollock, 3^rd place Traditional Red; A. Willis, 2^nd place Traditional Red (Photo Credit Lisa Photo)