From Texas to Bedrock: Chili cook-off draws eclectic crowd (SLIDESHOW)

MARY ESTHER — Chef Isaac Hernandez served up a cowboy-style chili, heavy on the meat, at the Corporate Team Challenge Chili Competition at Santa Rosa Mall on Saturday.

Hernandez, general manager of Golden Dragon restaurant, was on one of 13 teams that entered the annual fundraiser, which pairs businesses with United Way charities.

View a slideshow from the event.

The Golden Dragon took first place in the Judges Tasting and donated its prize money to Covenant Hospice.

Hernandez, who grew up in Houston, said his chili recipe comes from Texas, which claims the meat-and-pepper stew as its official dish.

“It has a lot of beef, a lot of fresh ingredients and just the right amount of spice,” he said.

Saturday’s competition made for an eclectic scene. In addition to the cook-off, teams competed for showmanship by dressing in costumes, performing skits, and even singing and dancing.

Fred, Wilma, Bam-Bam and the gang milled about the concourse, mingling with cheerleaders, dance teams and chefs with chili-stained aprons.

For the second year in a row Superior Residences of Niceville, an assisted living facility specializing in Alzheimer’s care, took home the People’s Choice prize and first place in Showmanship.

They partnered with longtime charity participant Horizons of Okaloosa County, which provides services for disabled adults and children.

The team performed a skit outfitted as the Flintstones.

“It went great. We had a very loud Fred,” said Debbie Smith, who was dressed as Fred’s hot-headed boss, Mr. Slate.

Smith, who runs the children’s center at Horizons, said the organization has been participating in the event for more than a decade.

“With an agency like this, it’s easy to stay self-sustained because not everyone is comfortable with people with disabilities,” she said. “This gets our name out in the community and puts a face to the work we do.”