Schools

Chili Contests Adds Spice to Plainview JFK

Cook-off contest a big hit; raises money for scholarships.

Plainview JFK simply had all the ingredients for success Tuesday night.

The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District's second-annual "Most Delicious Chili" Cook-Off had celebrity judges, four chamber orchestra groups, three harmonious a cappella groups and 16 varieties of the most diverse chilies imaginable.

This year's edition again featured a wide-assortment of chilies prepared by Plainview school and community celebrities and was attended by Superintendent Lorna Lewis, members of the PTA and the Board of Education.

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One of them, Trustee Angel Cepeda, competed with his patented "Angel's Devil Chili."

Among the other contestants were Luke Anuszek, the chef at LIJ Hospital at Plainview, whose "Willie Wonka Chili" was a complex culinary treat sweetened by a hint of chocolate.

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JFK Principal James Murray changed up his recipe this year, going with a Thai-curry concoction that was simply outstanding.

Insiders said Principal John McNamara's "Middle School Spice" was the most robust, causing some in the crowd to actually tear up and turn bright red. Forewarned by anonymous sources, this reporter did not attempt it.

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In the end, the top prizes went to Mia Schwartz for her Mama Mia's Amazin' Caliente and to Aimee Reifer, for her "Smoking Reifer's Chicken Chili." The top prizes were given out by Oyster Bay Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia of Plainview and Nassau County District Court a Plainview JFK graduate.

But the biggest winners were Plainview students who will be awarded PTA sponsored scholarships. All proceeds (it was $10 for adults, $5 for students) will benefit the P-OB JFK High School PTA's "Dollars for Scholar" scholarship.

The event was organized through the hard work of Randi Goldberg and Susan Stewart, PTA members involved in college awards for Plainview students.

See a complete list of entrants here:

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