Written by Amanda Coers – Ask any Texan if there should be beans in chili and you’ll find yourself in a heated debate. It’s a question that can end decades-old friendships and tear families apart. The general consensus is that true Texas chili does not include beans.
“You can add ’em if you want to,” said Rex Tackett with Wendlee Broadcasting. “But I’m just saying you won’t be winning any chili cook-offs if you do.”
Tackett was wrong.
In a shocking upset during the 3rd Annual Kiwanis Club of Brownwood Chili Cookoff the trophy was handed to Clint Broughton, who had boldly made the decision to include the contested ingredient into his winning chili. Broughton’s chili, titled “El Presidente’s Exotic Chili,” also boasted of “spices from the Far East, Meats from the Old West, Chiles from New Mexico, and a secret ingredient from the Secret Place,” in addition to the beans.
Pictured at top is this year’s winner, Clint Broughton with last year’s champion, Keith Clark. The close proximity of the fire extinguisher should be duly noted. The friendly competition was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Adams Street Community Center in Brownwood. There was no cost to enjoy a bowl of chili and all the trimmings provided by the Kiwanis Club, but donations were accepted for the club’s scholarship programs. Just this week the club awarded $6,000 in scholarship funds to six different local students.
As the winner was announced, groans rang out around the room, with an accusation of “It’s rigged!” shouted from the back. But the judges had made their decision, and Broughton was awarded the trophy, a bottle of antacids, and a lifetime of bragging rights.
The coveted Chili Challenge trophy, and much needed antacids.
This year’s judges were Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols, Fire Marshal Buddy Preston, and Brownwood Sports Coordinator Roland Soto. The steely-stomach trio tasted chili offerings from six different competitors. The judges noted a wide range of styles, with different meat choices and various levels of spice.
Men of impeccable intestinal fortitude, this year’s judges: Fire Marshal Buddy Preston, Brownwood Police Chief Terry Nichols, and Brownwood Sports Coordinator Roland Soto. A very enthusiastic gentleman can be seen on the far right enjoying chili.
“When they quit throwing up, I think we’ll probably get a judgement call from them,” said Rex Tackett. “I’m teed up to be the third winner,” Tackett said, feeling confident before the judges had made their choice. “I’m feeling good.”
Tackett claimed to have done extensive research, including plenty of taste testing, to prepare for the cook-off. Tackett’s chili was deemed to be “the worst chili I have ever tasted,” by his wife.
“I’m just saying she hasn’t tasted enough bad chili,” Tackett explained.
“There has been some fierce competition,” said Keith ‘Heartburn’ Clark, as he prepared to announce the winner. “If you’ll notice, if you drive out of the county in any direction, there are no animals left on the pavement because of this.”
With a touch of flair, Clark then proclaimed Broughton to be the new champion.
Rex Tackett was given the “Showmanship Award,” by his peers, presumably to ease the sting of missing out on the coveted trophy. He has vowed to try again next year.
It should be noted the chili served to the general public was not prepared by the competitors, a wise decision by the club. Although the brave were welcome to taste samplings of the six competing chili recipes.
