Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico - Started in December 2000, the Great Chili Cook-off began as a way to get cruisers "cooking for a cause" - the event drew chili cookers from all over Banderas Bay to offer their best chili, often with themes such as "Ugly Betty" and "Cowboy Chili."

Every year since then, the Chili Cook-off continues to be one of the most popular events in the Banderas Bay area, often generating thousands of dollars for local charities.

Originally, the Great Chili Cook-off was held in the Vallarta Yacht Club (the organizer of the event) parking lot. Two years ago, the event was moved to the Marina Nuevo Vallarta Malecón, and was changed to also showcase the excellent restaurants in the area.

This year, the Vallarta Yacht Club is proud host of the 3rd Annual Taste of Nuevo and 15th Annual Great Chili Cook-off on Saturday, December 5th at the Marina Nuevo Vallarta Malecon from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

The Chili Cook-off is an invitation for commercial and non-commercial teams (including non-profit organizations) as well as local restaurants to challenge each other to create the most popular chili. Two separate winners are announced the night of the event.

The Taste of Nuevo is an event for participating restaurants from all over Riviera Nayarit area to sample their best dish for attendees.

Some restaurants choose to offer samples of both their best chili recipe and another favorite restaurant dish to the some 400 attendees. Guests purchase sampling tickets for $20 pesos, which can be used for chili tasting, restaurant menu item sampling, or used toward the purchase price of bottled water, soft drinks, beer, wine and margaritas.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Nuevo Vallarta Malecón, while visiting the over 40 decorated booths of restaurants and chili cookers.

All proceeds from the event will be split between the Vallarta Yacht Club's two charities: Families at the Dump and Navy League (Toys for Tots.)

Source: VallartaYachtClub.org