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A good deal for a good meal
CANFIELD
The spicy aroma of mouth-watering decadence wafted from the Canfield High School cafeteria Friday afternoon for the inaugural Cardinal Chili Cook-off.
Twenty-two entries from various local restaurants, businesses, clubs and individuals were to be scored in five categories: aroma, consistency, appearance, taste and aftertaste.
Three judges – all media representatives including this reporter – were asked to assess the chili and assign a score.
Shrieks of “this is not chili” and coughs from peppery concoctions required crackers and a second round of water bottles during the taste-testing expedition.
While the appearance of some entries was not up to par, I found looks can be deceiving. Some of most of the samples I considered “runny” were the best tasting of them all.
One that lacked general consistency, but won all the votes in taste, was a white chili recipe. That winning title belonged to, not an area restaurant, but to the Canfield High School cafeteria staff.
The smooth taste of various vegetables, chicken and a gravy sauce had me nearly asking for seconds.
Another request for seconds that was sought was for a second round of water after Superintendent Alex Geordan’s entry, which won the hot-and-spicy category.
The consistency was thick, the appearance was pleasing and the taste was enough to have anyone asking for crackers and milk to cool their mouth down.
Finally, my vote was sold on the very first thick and hearty sample from Cocca’s Pizza, which set the bar too high for the rest to overcome.
After judging was completed, Canfield residents began to pour into the cafeteria for the public event.
Geordan said it was a good deal for a good meal, costing only $5.
The most beneficial part of the meal, however, was a showcase of the school.
“Our community outreach has been very successful, and I’m anticipating a wonderful turnout,” Geordan said. “It’s nice to be able to get people out for these community events.”
Communications Director Renee English said she is proud of the community engagement.
“One of the things we wanted in our five-year strategic plan was better community communication,” she said. “We have now reached that goal – we have reached every goal – and we are going to get started on a new strategic plan here shortly.”