Chili lovers flock to St. Norbert Farmers' Market for a good cause

Ten chefs competed in a chili cook-off at St. Norbert Farmers' Market on Mar. 15, 2025. (Gary Robson/CTV News)

There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot bowl of chili on a cold day and visitors to St. Norbert Farmers’ Market were treated to 10 varieties of the dish on Saturday.

The year-round market hosted its third annual chili cook-off this weekend to celebrate local chefs and Manitoba ingredients.

“Not everyone here is a chili maker,” Danielle Mondor, St. Norbert Farmers’ Market’s executive director, told CTV News. “They often grow or make other things, so it’s highlighting their own products and business.”

Ten chefs squared off in the event vying for the title of ‘crowd favourite.’

“It’s really awesome to see what they come up with,” Mondor said. “There’s kind of something for everybody with 10 chilis to choose from.”

Prairie Kitchen Catering’s Matthew Neufeld served up a third-generation chili recipe called Holy Guacamole for the competition.

“The response has been quite positive,” Neufeld said. “We’re getting a lot of happy faces, a lot of smiles.”

Meantime, Fat Iguana Chef’s Kitchen was inspired by a hot Nashville chicken sandwich for their entry.

“It’s a little bit spicy, mild white bean and tomato chili,” chef Steven Hunt-Lesage told CTV News. “Local tomatoes and fresh tortilla chips from our neighbours over at Los Camaros.”

And while each chili packed its own punch, the cook-off had a much bigger impact on the greater community. All proceeds from ticket sales for the sold-out event will go to the winning chef’s charity of their choice.

This year’s potential recipients included Toba Centre for Children and Youth, CommUNITY204, Rossbrook House, Manitoba Mutts Dog Rescue, and Bear Clan Patrol.

“We’re all friends here,” Mondor said. “We all want to support local businesses, and we just love seeing Manitobans coming out on a frigid day to make sure they’re supporting local causes.”

CTV News is awaiting word on which chili and charity took home the prize.