A Bowl of Red
Austin, TX 78736
ph: 512-301-5254
Muffy195
Home
"When speaking of a bowl of red, I refer to chili con carne -- honest-to-God chili..."
Frank X. Tolbert
BULLETIN!!
Because of the terrific sponsorship and support we had last season, in November of 2019, we delivered a donation check to ALS in the amount of $30,880 just before Thanksgiving!!
Congratulations and many thanks to all of you for making this happen!
¡VIVA 54!
Kathleen and Paul Ryan
54th Original Terlingua International
Championship Chili Cook-off
November 4-7, 2020
Terlingua Through The Eyes of a pALS
(Person With ALS)
By: J. A. Reyes
We arrived late Thursday night; so after miles of headlights, winding Texas roads and a darkening star filled night we settled in at The Easter Egg Motel. Yep, that's a real place.
In the mornin after washing off the miles and cobwebs we stepped out to a glorious brisk morning in Terlingua. Desolate beauty, rugged beauty... Texas beauty.
Soon our escort showed up. Stepping out his pikem up truck: wide brimmed cowboy hat, colorful vest and signature round glasses, accentuated by his also signature mustache. Tom Nall, Cowboy, Gentleman, Philanthropist.
As my sister, her husband and I made our way to Cowboy Camp we didn't know what to expect. As we crested the last hill we were awestruck by the sheer number of, RV's, Campers, Tents and yes, some Teepees, comprising the footprint of the Chili Coockoff. As we entered the grounds I was surprised by the fact the coockoff started the year I was born, serendipity I believe.
We made our way to Cowboy Camp and received an incredibly warm welcome and a cup of campfire brewed coffee. We were treated to a cowboy breakfast like no other, the highlight were cast iron Dutch oven cinnamon rolls; I would have gone for seconds but they were all gone.
Over the next couple of days we were treated to a phenomenal dinner in support of ALS. Every person we met was the most sincere with their words of encouragement and blessings. Not once did I perceive pity from anyone... Thank You! Pitty has no place in a blessed life.Thank you again for making us feel like family.
Now on to the reason for the trip, a heaping bowl of red! The judging of the chili was a sight to behold. I wasn't aware that cleansing of the palate after each bite involved so much beer and Tequila (Texas Republic Tequila). The judges, experienced and dedicated to the taste at hand persevered nonetheless. Taste after taste, discerning the nuances of each worthy batch of spicy meatie Texas red gold. Color, bouquet (smell for the uncivilized), appearance, very important to avoid debris. If you have to ask what debris is you are truly uninitiated in the art of chili (I had to ask).
Once the business of judging was concluded, one last toast, tequila for all!
I was then allowed the privilege of speaking on behalf of patients aflicted by ALS. I performed my comedy set to a very generous response. Even more generous was the heart of those in attendance. Cowboys with a heart, giving of their Time, Talent and Treasure, the hallmarks of community.
Terlingua is a good distance from San Antonio, yet the impact this gathering has in my community is profound. ALS is a devastating disease and every dollar raised directly helps those affected. For this we say Thank You!
God Bless Terlingua, God Bless Texas!
The Juan and Only
Thank you all for your consideration and generosity this year and every year.
¡VIVA TERLINGUA!
We host the Original Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff the first weekend in November every year.
Frequently referred to as the Tolbert Ccookoff, or Behind the Store, this is the original and Grand Daddy of all chili cook-offs - in the world!
The first cook-off in 1967, created and promoted by Frank X. Tolbert and friends, only had two cooks, New Yorker, H. Allen Smith, and Texas legend Wick Fowler. It was supposed to settle the dispute over who knew more about chili - Texans or New Yorkers. There were three judges, including Hallie Stillwell. The contest ended in a draw.
That two-man publicity stunt has more than 50 years of history now, and has grown into an event drawing thousands of attendees to Terlingua the first Saturday in November every year, and the days leading up to Saturday, to help celebrate and carry on the tradition.
Each Chili Season Year, (October 1st thru September 30th), chili cooks participate in their local area sanctioned events, earning points toward qualification. Points needed vary by state, depending mostly on population. In Texas, the required number is 9.
(For complete details on the Tolbert point system see the page dedicated to Official Rules and Forms)
Once that magic number has been reached or exceeded, the cook is not only eligible but is invited to participate in the annual Terlingua November championship.
It is important to note that all Tolbert sanctioned cook-offs donate proceeds to local charities, including competition Behind the Store.
In honor of the event co-founder Wick Fowler, Behind the Store's primary beneficiary is the ALS Association of Texas. ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
We also support and donate a portion of the proceeds to the Terlingua schools and the First Responders in the area.
Austin, TX 78736
ph: 512-301-5254
Muffy195