11th Annual SF Bay Area Texas Exes Chili & Queso Cook-Off!

Join us for the 11th Annual Texas Exes Chili (and Queso) Cook-Off! Whether you come to taste or want to compete, it is our pleasure to welcome all Texas Exes and friends for our biggest event of the year. Back again for the third time, we will also be having a queso competition along with our staple the chili competition. Most importantly, ALL PROCEEDS benefit the Texas Exes scholarship fund to send students from the SF Bay Area to UT!

• All alcohol (shoutout Shiner Bock!), non-alcoholic drinks, chili, queso, and other food is included
• Guests under 15 years old are $10 each. Sorry, no pets allowed
• Chili and/or Queso teams of 2 get complimentary tickets
• Chili and Queso will be served between 11:30am and 2:00pm. The bar opens when the event does, so get here on time!

Sign up to compete: We want to taste your chili/queso! There's no cook-off competition without your help. View the competitor info below and sign up for your chance at earning the ultimate bragging rights -- with great prizes!

Chili Competitors

Texas Exes Chili Cookoff Teams (up to 2 people per team) are required to bring a minimum of 6 quarts of chili (you should shoot to feed samples to 100-120 attendees; people can't vote for you if they can't try your chili!) Teams are required to provide their own cooking equipment.

Any sides or garnish (hot sauce, onions, etc) must be provided by the team along with your own serving utensils. The Texas Exes will provide serving cups for tasting, spoons for tasting, tables, power strips, and napkins.

Day of the Event: Your team must arrive together to setup no later than 11:00am with your chili pre-made and ready for warming. Wristbands will be distributed for your 2-member team at the same time and will not be split up or held for individual team members at check-in. You will draw a number for a table assignment in the tasting area upon your arrival, and we will have electrical outlets to help heat your pre-made chili. Note that we have overloaded electrical at thevenue before, so feel free to bring a portable power source if you have one available!

Judging will be determined by popular vote, with each attendee receiving one voting ticket to put toward their favorite chili. While there are no official criteria for a popular vote, here are key components to keep in mind:

• Color/appearance
• Heat
• Texture
• Flavor/Taste

To bean or not to bean? We'll leave that one to you!

For Queso Competitors

Texas Exes Queso Cook-Off Teams (up to 2 people per team) are required to bring a minimum of 4 quarts of queso. More queso is always recommended (we anticipate 100-120 guests, so you want all attendees to taste and so they can vote for you!), but oftentimes serving in a smaller slow cooker works best. Teams are required to provide their own slow cooker and/or backup slow cooker.

Any sides or garnish (cilantro, jalapeños, etc.) must be provided by the team along with your own serving utensils. Texas Exes will provide tortilla chips, plates and napkins.

Day of the Event: Your team must arrive together to setup no later than 11:00am with your queso pre-made and ready for warming. Wristbands will be distributed for your team at check-in. We will have a table in the tasting area marked off for your team upon your arrival. We will have electrical outlets to help heat your pre-made queso.

Judging will be determined by popular vote, with each attendee receiving one voting ticket to put toward their favorite queso. While there are no official criteria for a popular vote, here are key components to keep in mind:

• Color/appearance
• Consistency/texture
• Cheesiness
• Flavor/Taste

Volunteers

We need help setting up, taking down, and running the event! Volunteers receive discounted entry and can enjoy the event when not on shift. Please purchase a volunteer ticket for the shift you'd like to volunteer for.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Firehouse at Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, United States