Philly chili lovers face off at Taproom on 19th’s third annual Chili Challenge

Who makes the best chili in Philly?

The Taproom on 19th (2400 S 19th St) will answer that question this weekend with their third annual Chili Challenge, going down Sunday, Dec. 4 at 5 p.m.

The South Philly chili contest pits 20 local chefs and cooks against one another in a battle to decide whose meat reigns supreme. Contestants this year include Samwich's Georgann Emma Leaming, Shaun and Stefanie Carney of Dawson Street Pub, and Pineville Tavern chef Anthony Pasceri, among others.

The event is free to attend, and guests will be able to sample all 20 contestants' entries free of charge. Other food and drink is pay-as-you-go.

The winner will be decided by a panel of local notable foodies, including food writers Drew Lazor and Fidel Gastro, Billy Penn culture editor Danya Henninger, Gin Canaries guitarist Louis Marchesani, and Stockyard co-owner Will Lindsay.

Prizes include $100 gift cards from the Taproom. Though, as a Facebook event posting notes, the true goal is bragging rights.

But regardless of who takes home top honors this weekend, the real winners are the guests and judges. After all, few awards beat a belly full of free chili.