Some Like It Hot

You have to give the organizers of the Chile Pepperama Festival at Old Town Shopping Center credit. They don't shy away from asking the hard question, as in: Who makes the best chili in town? This is Texas, after all, and no question short of "Who has the best religion?" is as likely to stir up as much passionate debate. Beans or no beans? Just beef, or are pork and lamb acceptable? Fiery hot or wussified? Vegetarian? (God forbid.) There's only one correct answer to each of these questions, and Texans will spill blood over them, certain that their recipe is the One Way to True Chili Goodness. Nevertheless, try to keep an open mind and calm temper as you sample more than 20 varieties of chili created by local chefs and vote for your fave in the "Chili Confrontation Cookoff." (Tasting cups for the voting are $5 each.) The festival also includes a variety of live music, other food, vendors, games and beer. It runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Old Town Shopping Center at the corner of Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue. For more info, visit chilepepperama.net or call 972-943-4624.
Sun., Nov. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 2009