By Daily Press staff
The Art Institute of California earlier this month created a tastebud challenge.
The smell of chili filled the hallways at The Art Institute of California–Los Angeles on June 2, as a group of culinary graduates returned to their alma mater to show off their idea of what makes “the perfect chili.” Culinary alumni competed in the First Annual Alumni Chili Cook Off held in the student-run restaurant, BISTRO 31. Entries included everything from “Cajun kickin’ chicken & sausage chili” to “Jamaican hot mamma chocolate chili,” as well as more traditional recipes such as “Cajun persuasion chili and Texas red bean chili.”
The event brought out a panel of judges ready to satisfy their palates, including Stewart O’Dell from the Santa Monica Daily Press, Stan and Mindy Stewart from Sterling Meats, Danny Harold from of Harold Catering, and Ron Zartman who is the executive chef of Catering by Field. In addition to the judges, the competition attracted students, staff and faculty ready to give their own opinions of who boasts the best recipe.
When the chili tasting was completed, Glenn Smith, a 2003 Culinary Arts graduate who is now the general manager of Coco’s Restaurant in West Covina and owner of his own catering business, Chef “G’s” in Fontana, took top honors with his “meaty meatless chili.” He received a cast iron pot and other gifts from Surfas Restaurant Supply and Gourmet Foods in Culver City. When asked what his secret was, Smith replied, “I wanted to try something different. I wanted to make a meatless dish that would fool meat-eaters. I did some research and found a ‘meatless meat’ by Lightlife, and it turned out to be really good. I added some portobello mushrooms and other spices, and you really couldn’t tell it was a vegetarian chili.”
Smith’s chili will now be featured on the menu of BISTRO 31 during the summer months, which is open to the public beginning July 25. The restaurant is designed so that every graduating student has the opportunity to work with the pub-
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 21, 2005. Read the original PDF.