The First Annual Sarasota Bartender Chili Cookoff and Cocktail Competition will heat up next Monday, January 13 at 12:00 pm, just in time for a lunch break of some Southern spicy stew tasting. Bar Director extroadinaire, Robert Boyland, is hosting the competition and shares there are already a dozen local contestants currently signed up, but is still accepting entries for the three stage event in categories for straight chili, chili and cocktail pairing, and lastly, "the death chili challenge." Boyland encourages competitors to "play it loose, get creative".

For the cocktail pairing component, bartenders are faced with the crafty task to incorporate either Nautical Gin, Smooth Ambler Contradiciton or Del Maguey Vida Mezcal in their cocktail creations. For the Dragon Spit Death Chili Challenge, participants will chow down and race to "the bottom of the bowl of pain." The Sarasota Bartender Chili Cookoff and Cocktail Competition will take place at MADE Restaurant, with an esteemed judging panel that includes Chef Mark Woodruff of MADE, Chef Steve Phelps of Indigenous and Chef Chris Covelli of Sage. Not a bad idea to come bearing an adult bib, have a water bottle on hand and mentally prepare for some messy fun. 

Entries and sponsors can email Boyland at robtboyland@gmail.com or text/call 561-427-4012. 

Tickets to the event here. Proceeds to benefit the Child Protection Center.