Division of Administration and Finance
University Services
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lindsay Blagg
University Services Communications Coordinator
832.842.4722
lmblagg@central.uh.edu
UH VS. RICE FOR 3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF
Houston, October 11, 2011 – Before the
battle begins on the field, UH and Rice will
have another battle going on in the
tailgating area. UH hosts the third annual
UH vs. Rice Chili Cook-off on Thursday,
October 27 before the football game.
Representatives from UH and Rice’s
dining teams will come out to the game
early for tailgating and set up cooking
stations in the parking lots. UH began the
tradition three years ago and it has
become a huge success.
“We wanted to showcase our executive
chef as well as get the student body
involved, so we proposed the idea of
having a chili cook-off. And what better competition than our arch rivals at Rice for a friendly
contest,” said Billy Garner, Marketing Coordinator for Auxiliary Services.
This year, UH is hosting the Chili Cook-off in the student tailgating area in lot 15F across from
Robertson Stadium. Chef Brent Gorman will lead the UH team against four of Rice’s professional
chefs. Chef Brent’s cooking team will be totally comprised of himself and students. His student
team was determined through the UH Student Cook-off Challenge on October 6 at the UC where
students’ culinary skills were timed as they chopped onions and cubed beef. Winners of the
challenge were Victoria Kinabo and Jeffrey Clark, with Adam Ling as the alternate.
Both teams will begin cooking their award-worthy chili around lunchtime so that is will be ready for
tasting at 4:30 p.m. Samples will be given to tailgaters and judges who will both put in their votes
for the winning chili. Every year, an award is given out for the People’s Choice and Judge’s
Choice.
Judging will take place at 5 p.m. This year, the judging panel is comprised of 2 representatives
from UH, Dr. Simon Bott and Keith Kowalka of Student Development; 2 representatives from
Rice; and one neutral judge, Chef Tarsha Gary from Crave Gourmet Bakery and Catered Cafe.
Last year Rice took home the award for judge’s pick, however UH won the People’s Choice
award. This year, UH wants to win both awards and prove that chili and Rice don’t mix! Be sure
to come out and cast your vote for UH!
About the University of Houston
The University of Houston is a comprehensive national research institution serving the globally
competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning
and strategic industry partnerships. UH serves more than 38,500 students in the nation’s fourthlargest city, located in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region of the country.