The Irish Pub in Baldwin was packed on Sunday as residents gathered for the annual chili cook-off, a community tradition blending friendly competition, local pride and plenty of warm comfort food.
Dozens of guests filled the pub to sample a wide variety of chili recipes prepared by local participants, each hoping to earn bragging rights and impress judges and neighbors alike. The event also served as a social gathering point, bringing together longtime patrons, newcomers and community leaders in support of local businesses and organizations.
Guests paid a $20 door fee, which included unlimited chili tastings and one complimentary drink, allowing attendees to try each entry and cast votes for their favorites throughout the afternoon. The event also included a Daytona 500 car pool.
Shawn Sabel, owner of The Irish Pub, helped organize the event and prepared the tasting stations before guests lined up to sample the competing dishes. Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Vice President Sean Gleason officially kicked off the tasting, signaling the start of an afternoon of sampling and voting.
Among this year’s returning competitors was Jessenia Melendez, last year’s cook-off winner, who returned to defend her title with her popular chorizo chili recipe.
The gathering finally took place this year on Feb. 15, after being postponed due to snow a few weeks prior.
The winning chef received a $200 cash prize sponsored by The Cools Team of Compass Real Estate, adding extra excitement to the friendly culinary competition.
Throughout the event, residents chatted at the bar, watched sports broadcasts and caught up with friends while tasting entries, reinforcing the cook-off’s role as both a culinary contest and a community celebration.
For Baldwin residents, the cook-off remains less about competition and more about connection — and an excuse to enjoy a good bowl of chili among friends.
