Poll: Who Makes the Best Chili in Royal Oak?

As the thermometer drops, it’s only natural to want to eat foods that make us feel warm and cozy. That was evident this chilly weekend — or make that chili weekend — when Royal Oak had not one, but two chili cook-offs.

and the each held cook-offs featuring local restaurants Saturday. also had an amateur division for individuals who wanted to participate.

“It’s a fun event and we have a good turnout,” parishioner Mary Therese Hammer said. “It’s really more about fellowship than food.” Hammer won the amateur division last year.

Grand Trunk Club, , , , and Dooley’s participated in the St. Mary’s Men’s Club fundraiser at the church’s parish center. Over at the , , , ,  and were represented.

Sally Owen, senior vice president of development at , said choosing a favorite chili was a loaded question. The Boys & Girls Club, along with the , benefited from the proceeds of the Jaycees' cook-off.

“They are all very good,” Owen said diplomatically. “They all have different components and that’s what makes it so fun to sample them all.”

And the winner is ...

Jaycees Chili Cook-Off:

Best of the Best: Star Lanes
Most Creative: Lily's Seafood
People's Choice: Potbelly Sandwich Works

St. Mary's Chili Cook-Off:

Best Restaurant Chili: Andiamo Chef Jeff Ingersoll's white chili
Best Overall Chili: Sean Teirney's kerk Chili made with Italian sausage
Best Amateur Chili: Bob Kreiner's traditional beef chili