The Meadowlands Racetrack hosted its fifth annual Homestyle Chili Cookoff this past Saturday night (Jan. 25) and one lucky chef walked away with the grand prize of $1,000 and a spot in the International Chili Society’s 2020 World Championship.

Thirty-six cooks threw down in the event, but when it was all said and done it was Nathan Gramm of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania that came out on top. Gramm is an ICS competition veteran and flies all around the United States to compete in chili cook-offs.

Jason Settlemoir, COO & GM of the Meadowlands Racetrack, presents Nathan Gramm with this $1,000 prize cheque for best Homestyle Chili.

Chili cookoff veteran Chris Johnson took home $500 for her second-place finish. Meadowlands chili cookoff veteran Laura Stoessel captured the $250 third place prize.

Gregory Farm of Rosyln, PA, took home the $1,000 grand prize for his chili verde, as he beat out 18 other competitors in the category. It was Farm’s first time competing at the Meadowlands. His win also qualifies him for the 2020 World Chili Verde Championship.

“This was an awesome event,” said Farm. “It was lots of fun. I’m excited to compete again next year!”

Robert Quinones, the 2018 & 2019 People’s Choice champ, finished in second place for his chili verde and took home $500, while first-time competitor Jarron Smith walked away with $250 for his third-place finish.

There was a record number of participants and a record number of patrons on hand to sample and vote for their favourite chili throughout the evening. The $250 People’s Choice prize went to Brian Walker.

“This has become a major event for us at the track,” said Meadowlands Racetrack General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “Each year the number of participants grows and exceeds our expectations. We are looking forward to next year’s event!”

(With files from the Meadowlands Racetrack)