Do This: Bridgeport Chili Cookoff

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Feb 11, 2014 10:00PM

Bridgeport residents should know good chili because the "neighborhood of mayors" was home to the best chili in Chicago for decades. The chili void left behind by Ramova Grill's 2012 closing has not—and may never—be filled.

But that doesn't mean people can't try. The popular local coffeehouse Jackalope Coffee & Tea is sponsoring the "Bridgeport Chili Cookoff" from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Feb. 20. This competition at neighborhood service center Benton House, home to the Ramova Room containing the booths, counter and seats from Ramova Grill as well as old tables and chairs from the former Healthy Food Lithuanian Restaurant, is open to professional and amateur cooks to see who makes the best chili around.

The event is a benefit for Benton House and tickets are $15 at the door. If you want to compete, email Jackalope's January Overton.