Chili: It's a stew, not a country

While Shanghaiist’s mind is usually consumed with cocktails, food, and finding a costume for the AWESOME Shanghaiist Halloween Party, our mouth started watering immediately upon seeing this email from Ken Walker, the man behind Bubba’s Bar-B-Que & Saloon in Hongqiao:

I am excited to announce that Bubba's Bar-B-Que will be hosting Shanghai's first ever full-blown chili cook-off and tailgate party this Fall. The cook-off will be held November 12 from Noon to 6 p.m. in the front-yard area of Bubba's restaurant.

Entry for a team of up to 5 people is 500 rmb. The competition is open to restaurants, corporation teams, and individuals. Teams will be competing for Best Chili in Shanghai (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and.... Nice Try), People's Choice, and Best Team Theme.

Entry to the event will be 150 rmb, which includes a book of coupons allowing you to taste all 20 chilies, plus vote on your favorite batch. The 150 rmb also includes all-you-can-drink draft beer during the cook-off.

That’s right—hot Chili, free flow of beer, and American Football in the middle of November. You’d need frickin' W himself out there riding a horse to get any more American! (That doesn’t mean our non-American friends aren’t welcome—we’re quite an affable bunch once you get to know us. Really!) Admittedly it's not cheap. We may just take the plunge anyway--we haven't had good Chili since college!

Chili, according to our friendly free encyclopedia, is:

[A] spicy stew-like dish, the essential ingredients of which are beef, pork, venison, or other mature meat, and chili peppers.

It’s a sad clinical definition for something incredibly delicious, and perfect for a cool Autumn afternoon. It’s also the official dish of the state of Texas! Shanghaiist has fond memories of helping our father cook up his award-winning Chili on Saturday afternoons while watching football. We’re looking forward to the nostalgia trip! For additional information, email Ken at kennethjoewalker (at) gmail dot com.

Bubba’s has fast become one of our favorite places in the city—outstanding Bar-B-Que, a relaxed atmosphere, and, importantly for us, the opportunity to watch American college football on Sunday afternoons, thanks to the bar’s Slingbox. You definitely don’t need to be American to stop by—the food is fantastic in its own right and makes it worth the trip out to Hongqiao. We prefer the 806 bus--3 kuai each way! Ken, open up a branch downtown!

Bubba’s Texas-Style Bar-B-Que & Saloon, 2262 Hongqiao Lu, next to the Hongqiao Marriott (虹桥路2262号，在上海万豪虹桥大酒店旁). Tel: 62422612.