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Famed Austin hotel warms up annual chili cook-off with free live music

Jo's Chili Cookoff 2023
Wristbanded guests at the 2023 event sample chilis before a winner is crowned. Photo by Daniel Cavazos

On February 2, Hotel San José and Jo's Coffee are pairing up for the 18th year in a row for their Chili Cook-Off + Benefit. This Sunday event in the Hotel San José parking lot puts all things chili front and center.

The star festivity of the day is, of course, the cook-off, where amateur and professional culinary talent will compete in a five-alarm battle for the prized chili pot. Guests with wristbands can enjoy tastings of all the chilis, but be aware: they will be spicy. (A "five-alarm" chili is a very spicy type of chili, with heat coming from five different ingredients.)

Additionally there will be a Quick Fire Competition, live music from the Jo's House Band and special musical guests Jeff Hughes and Chaparral, a two stepping contest, a raffle, and much more.

It's free to enter and guests can get a tasting wristband for $25. Those who've tasted the chilis will also get a chance to vote for their favorite, ultimately naming one chili chef the best of the best. That winner will receive the famed chili pot (a literal chili pot filled with cool swag) and a whole lot of clout. Last year's winner was "Popes of Chilitown."

Proceeds from ticket sales go to supporting Free Lunch, a group with a quarterly magazine and food service initiatives, both of which address food insecurity in Austin. Aside from actually cooking meals, it also educates folks on food access advocacy. Last year alone, the Chili Cook-Off raised almost $10,000 for Free Lunch.

The Chili Cook-Off will be held from noon to 3 pm at 1316 S. Congress Avenue.

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