This was the first annual Chili Cook-Off at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Real Estate, but it won’t be the last. The perfect pre-Halloween feast, agents donned costumes and feasted on treats including five huge bubbling cauldrons of homemade chili. This was the inaugural taste-off of the now-annual chili contest, I was honored to be the chili judge.
I know a thing or two about good chili, even though I wasn’t born in Texas. For one, I’ve been to Terlingua. Even slept in Terlingua, home of the most famous Chili Cook-Off of them all. Two, one of my dearest friends is the daughter or granddaughter of the famous Wick Fowler, whose name is splashed on that box of chili fixings. She taught me how to make chili. And three, I can whip up a pretty darn tasty chili myself. Full disclosure: My husband usually toodles in and spices it up, making it much better.
So when Briggs Freeman’s executive vice president of marketing, Maria Cintron, asked if I would be the judge of the inaugural cook-off, I quickly responded “Si!”
There were beverages, cookies, and even pizza for a filling Friday afternoon in the Briggs Freeman office kitchen. The chili was made by agents and staff, and to make things fair, the chefs were not named until after the tasting. I tasted along with everyone else, ranking their favorites on ballots. The marketing department tallied the votes, and the winners were announced.
And I have to tell you, the chili was delicious!
Angela Thornhill, vice president of sales and general counsel 
Arlene Kirkland, agent, Lakewood office 
Barbara Kurilecz, agent, Ranch and Land Division, “Candy’s Choice” chili winner 
Barbara Kurilecz, Candy Evans, and Patrick Bukowitz 
Laura Abbott, office coordinator, Lakewood office, best-costume winner 
Maria Cintron, executive vice president of marketing, with Patrick Bukowitz 
Zareen Brendel, executive vice president of strategic growth
