KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Wednesday, the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership (KDP) announced that it will be hosting the 17th Annual Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off and Winter Restaurant Week this February.
The organization provided details on both of these events to WKZO, which can be viewed below:
Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off
A sign displaying vegetarian chili by Organic Gypsy during the 2018 installment of the Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off. (Photo courtesy of Will Kriss).
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is a free community event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19.
For 17 years, this annual tradition has been a community-favorite event to explore downtown, sample chili recipes, and visit new and familiar stores and restaurants.
Visitors to Chili Cook-Off can expect over 20 different chilis to sample in an entirely outdoor event.
Once again, commemorative tasting spoons will be available.
Residents can pick one up for $5 at any of the three information tents:
- The corner of South St./Kalamazoo Mall,
- Michigan Ave./Kalamazoo Mall, and
- Portage St./Michigan Ave.
Spoons can also be ordered ahead of time at this link.
An official Judge’s Panel will determine which chili competitors deserve the “Judge’s Best Chili” award.
Chili Cook-Off attendees will be able to vote through text message to determine “People’s Choice,” “Best Retailer” and “Best Restaurant” awards.
Winners are announced after all the chili is gone and results have been tallied.
Downtown Kalamazoo Winter Restaurant Week
Downtown Kalamazoo Winter Restaurant Week will take place beginning Friday, February 18 – Sunday, February 27.
Winter Restaurant Week offers local food enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience some of downtown Kalamazoo’s restaurants.
Participating restaurants showcase special menus with prices set at $10, $25, and/or $35 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).
In addition to food offerings, there will also be a cocktail competition.
Diners will be asked to cast their vote on the 2022 Cocktail Competition winner. Many restaurants can offer cocktails to-go if permitted to do so through the Central Commons Refreshment Area.
Health Protocols
“During these times and always, the health and safety of Restaurant Week diners and staff at each participating location and community are top priorities,” officials said. “Each restaurant is required to follow all local and state regulations, as well as CDC recommendations for safe dining practices. Diners can expect to see some modifications to the dining experience at various locations, i.e. menus accessed via QR codes, limited condiments and utensils on tables, expanded outdoor seating, hand sanitizing stations, etc.”
The KDP asks that diners be patient, respectful to restaurants and their teams.
The Winter Restaurant Week lineup will be announced at downtownkalamazoo.org after January 21.
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