Dental Centre team says winning chili has ‘bite’

There were a lot of new faces at this year’s Great Chili Cook-off, but the winners were old hands at cooking chili.
Dr. Mike Gerstner and Sherry Armstrong of the Fort Frances Dental Centre took the prize on Friday for their chili called “Novocaine Special III—the numb-iest ever.”
Gerstner has made chili for the contest twice before, the first time in 1999, when he took home the People’s Choice award.
“We always enjoy it,” he said. “It’s nice to get out and enjoy the crowd and talk to people.”
Gerstner and Armstrong came dressed in their work attire, including white lab coats with face masks around their necks and toothbrushes hanging from their pockets.
As for the chili, Gerstner admitted to taking all the help he could get.
“During the year, if I know I’m going to be in it, I’m always asking my patients for their secrets, and I take notes,” he said.
“The secret is not to make it too hot, but it’s got to have bite. Get it? Bite?” he laughed. “Try to make it as tasty as possible, without the heat.”
This year’s People’s Choice award went to Ramiro Matias and Linda Trevisanutto of Rainycrest Home for the Aged, for their “Chili of the Golden Oldies.”
“The secret ingredient was love,” Matias laughed.
“And it was the teamwork,” Trevisanutto added.
The two admitted to having lots of help in making their chili, particularly the kitchen staff at Rainycrest.
This was the first time the two had participated in the cook-off.
“That was an absolutely wonderful event,” Trevisanutto enthused.
Many of the teams came with props and costumes, including the Town of Fort Frances team, Darryl Allan, Donna Anderson, and Micaela Jensen.
The three served up “Mad Cow Chili—Udderly Delicious” dressed up as cows, complete with horns and udders.
Gus MacDonell of IQON Financial dyed his hair red for the event and brought in a bottle of homemade hot sauce.
Gerstner and Armstrong received a chili pepper plaque from Fort Frances General Supply, and had their names engraved on the Chili Bowl trophy on display at the Fort Frances Times.
This year’s judges were Susan Bodnarchuk from Holmlund Financial, Jen O’Reilly from B93 FM, and Cory Westover from the Fort Frances Times.
The “cake roulette” was a great success, with more than 40 cakes donated.
Organizer Susan Martin said more than 300 people turned out to taste the chilis, and the event raised $1,200 that will be divided between the local Salvation Army and the United Native Friendship Centre food banks.