By james art 
The Chili Cook-Off annual chef of Cutler Bay has always been one of the most popular events in the area, but this year it broke AM Record for attendance. More than 6,000 people gathered at Cutler Ridge Park on Saturday, January 25, to try and vote for various recipes for chili, salsa and corn bread.
There was live music from the Cutler Stew native band, food trucks and children’s activities, including inflatable and face drawing. State Rep. OMAR Blanco, Miami-Dade County Commission Danielle Cohen Higgins, Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, and Tax Collector Dariel Fernand An APPEA. AlongSide Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott for A Music Number, which was high energy.
The recipes for Chile were tried by a local chef, an assistant director, members of the city council, the owner of a business and a comedian, as well as by the people who visit the “Choosing People” awards. The trophies that resemble small pots of chili were presented to the winners.
2025 Chili Cook-Off Top Finisers:
Restaurant department
The best chili: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
The best salsa: Rodbenders Raw Bar & Grill
Best decorated stand: Mee Maws Chili
Salsa
1st place: Flava unit
2nd place: Hans of
3rd place: The Monatrian Firefighter Association in Miami
Chili
1st place: comfortable homes
2nd place: Hans of
3rd place: O2
Winner at FireHouse Chili: Hialeah Fire Mecorne Local 1102
Booth
1st place: traveling ass
2nd place: O2
3rd place: Pigkrecked
Selection Rewards
1st place the choice of people, salsa: Ridge Rats Cutler Bay Firehouse 34
2nd place the choice of people, salsa: Hans of
The choice of 1st place for people, Chile: Pigkrecked
2nd place the choice of people, Chile: Hialeah Fire Mecorne Local 1102
Mayor Tim Meerbot said how important the event for the community is.
“Cook-off Chili continues to be one of the most anticipated events in our city, bringing together families, local companies and organizations for fun and aromatic competition,” said Mayor Meerbot. “Seeing thousands of people join us to celebrate this 15-year tradition, along with our local and district leaders, is a testament to the power and unity of our community.”
The sponsors of this year’s event included HCA Florida Healthcare, growing Canes Cutler Bay, Nexlevel Contactors Corp. Roofing, Instasmile Cosmetic and General Dentistry, Happy Vibes Drips and generous funding from Sunstate Bank.
For us: