Malibu Chili Cook-Off draws chili enthusiasts to Malibu

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Chili Preppers had a clean sweep, taking home first place in the meat and vegan category and People's Choice. Pickles N Peas took home second place and Irv's Burger took home third place in the meat category. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

5th Annual Johnny Strange Legacy mini-ramp skate competition entertained the crowd on Saturday

The 42nd annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off kicked off this Labor Day weekend with fiery flavors and family fun. The beloved event transformed Malibu into a culinary and entertainment hotspot and drew chili enthusiasts, local businesses, and thrill-seeking lovers from around Southern California. 

On Saturday, the event held the 5th annual Johnny Strange Legacy mini-ramp skate competition, where over $5,000 in cash prizes were awarded. Skaters in intermediate and advanced were able to show off their skills.

Professional skateboarder and filmmaker Vern Laird was on the mic at the skate competition and was giving out cash for tricks.

“The women skating was really good compared to the previous years. I feel like the women’s skating is always advancing because the amount of progression is very rapid and so that was pretty exciting for me to see personally,” Laird said. “It’s always sad when a skater passes, but it’s also great to honor him (Johnny Strange) this way and to help grow skateboarding here within the Malibu community. I know there’s a skate park here, but I know we can get a bigger and better one and grow skateboarding as a whole.” 

Laird also hopes competition inspires people to skate. 

“Just more exposure to how much fun we’re having here, hopefully inspires someone to pick up a skateboard,” he said.

On Sunday, winners of the 2024 Malibu Chili Cook-Off were announced for both the vegan and meat chili categories. Attendees tasted and voted for top honors in the meat and vegan categories for the People’s Choice Award.

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Chief Executive Officer Kasey Earnest welcomed the judges and attendees to the competition. 

“Thank you all for being here to come here to celebrate chili for a cause! that’s what we’re really doing here, we’recelebrating the amazing chili bakers,” Earnest said. “One hundred percent of the proceeds go right back to the Boys & Girls Club; we’re raising money for our afterschool programs and, most importantly, our mental health services.”

Chili Preppers had a clean sweep, taking home first place in the meat and vegan category and People’s Choice. 

“Another year for a great cause!” Chili Preppers Master Chef Dan Morales said. “The Chili Preppers always do this for the community, 100 percent of the proceeds goes to the Boys & Girls Club, we just have a lot of fun. Come eat some chili, we’ll be back next year, we love it, thank you Malibu!”

Pickles N Peas took home second place and Irv’s Burger took home third place in the meat category.

Duke’s Malibu took home second and My Lair Kitchen took home third in the vegan category. 

Judges included Mel Nahas, Ryan Fey, Christopher Tompkins, Skylar Peak, Shelby Meade, Chris Stang, The Malibu Times, Randi Greenberg, Like a Friend Said, Duff Goldman, Marcel Vigneron, Amirah Kassem, Jet Tila, and Ricardo Zarate. 

The festival also featured food and entertainment, including an exclusive Town & Country Lounge with DJ sets from DJ Short Shorts and DJ Corey Biggs, a 21-plus experience with craft beers, local wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options, and an all-new two-step and line dancing lesson offering. The festival included a junior carnival area featuring rides for ages 2-10. 

Families enjoyed Family Day on Monday, where the admission price was $20. Kiddos also enjoyed Bubble Hour, which was presented by Bubble Fairy. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu(BGCM), including its year-round services and Wellness Center. For more information on the Boys & Girls Club visit bgcmalibu.org.