LACONIA — Foodies, gourmands, and people with a penchant for fire and heat looking to give their taste buds a work out, are invited to attend the Weirs Beach Lobster Pound 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off slated for Sunday, January 27, 1-4 p.m.
Now entering its third year, the Chili Cook Off is shaping up to be a true community event. Stomachs will be full of the very best chili offerings Lakes Region restaurants have to offer, all for the benefit of the New Hampshire Humane Society.
Returning champions, The Lyons' Den from Glendale, is the eatery to beat and likely the chili to sample first. Also returning, Gunstock Mountain Resort who placed a very respectable third in last year's event; back to see if this year, they can claim the accolade 'Meanest Chili".
The Ray family, owners of Weirs Beach Lobster Pound, famously the gathering place during Laconia Bike Week, and function coordinator, Joanne McAllister, are thrilled to host this avidly anticipated event. Said the Rays, "we like offering a platform for other area restaurants in friendly rivalry to flex their culinary muscle. It brings the community together and being animal lovers, we can also support our favorite animal welfare organization".
Participants will sample and vote the People's Choice top three chili's. New this year, an official Judging Panel comprised of local authorities – City of Laconia Mayor, Michael Seymour, City of Laconia Police Chief, Chris Adams and Deputy Chief Deborah Pendergast from the Laconia Fire Department.
In true 'Chopped' fashion, the field will be narrowed to the final three restaurant chili's as chef talents withstand the scorching critiques of the panel, while explaining flavor profiles and execution of their chili. An added feature to the Chili Cook Off this year is the New Hampshire Humane Society will present an award for best booth display to the restaurant with the most visually appealing set up.
A premium slate of the very best eateries in the region include Annie's Café & Catering, Burrito Me, Christmas Island Resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort, Hart's Turkey Farm, Heat, Lakes Region Casino, Lakeside Grille & Deli, Lemon Grass, Lyons' Den, 104 Diner, The Looney Bin, The Mug Family Restaurant, and hosts, Weirs Beach Lobster Pound.
Shelter spokesperson and Chili Cook Off MC, Marylee Gorham said "we are delighted and excited to be part of this event for the third year. Supremely grateful to our friends at the Weirs Beach Lobster Pound, and indeed, the community support for the event as a whole". Gorham stated she is "cautiously optimistic" the event would top the $1,700 raised last year.
Admission to the event is $5 per person and will include a free raffle ticket for the NHHS sponsored Chili Basket. Other raffles running during the Chili Cook Off include participating restaurant sponsored raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Must be present to win. All proceeds from the admission fees to 50/50 raffle will be donated to the NH Humane Society.
For more information about the event call Weirs Beach Lobster Pound at 366-2255 or check our website at www.nhhumane.org

LACONIA — The Lakes Region Chordsmen will have two chapter quartets working in the Lakes Region February 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. delivering Singing Valentines.
They’ll be saying “I love you” in song and leaving thousands of sweethearts speechless with the sound of harmony in restaurants, offices, factories, schools and homes throughout the area.
For reservations in Laconia, Belmont and Alton call 630-9658. For Franklin, Meredith, Center Harbor and Moultonborough call 253-8523.
For $35 there will be a singing valentine, silk rose and digital photo. Phone singing valentine and message costs $20.

LACONIA — Laconia Adult Education will offer a class on Cooking: Gluten-Free Soups, Stews & Comfort Foods.
The class will begin on Tuesday, January 29, from 6-7:30 p.m. and will run for a period of five weeks.
Sarah Baldwin-Welcome, a culinary graduate of Newbury College, will teach the class. She is the owner of Provincial Palate Inc. specializing in mustards and specialty catering.
Over 1 million Americans may have intolerance for gluten, a common ingredient in more foods than people may realize. Gluten is a protein found in all wheat, rye, barley, and oat products. The only medically acceptable treatment for gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease is to eliminate all gluten from the diet. Many people with other conditions may also benefit from a gluten and wheat-free diet, including Attention Deficit Disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, Lactose Intolerance, Autism, chronic fatigue, indigestion and malnutrition.
Wheat allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to one or more proteins found in wheat. Allergy to wheat is one of the more common food allergies in children. A wheat allergy may result in a wide range of symptoms, including hives,
difficulty breathing and nausea. Avoiding wheat is the primary treatment for wheat allergy. Wheat allergy is different from a disorder known as Celiac Disease, an immune system reaction that causes inflammation in the small intestines when a person eats any food containing gluten, one type of protein found in wheat.
Many of life's culinary enjoyments are eliminated from their daily diet. People can learn to live without some of these things by replacing them with Wheat/Gluten-free ingredients and still enjoy pasta, pizza and crepes.
Call the Laconia Adult Education Office at 524-5712 to enroll in this cooking class.