These are notes from an inexperienced chili taster named Terence, who was visiting Texas from California and fell into it:
"Recently I was lucky enough to be the 1,000,000th attendee at the State Fair in Texas, and was asked to fill in to be a judge at a chili cook-off. Apparently the original judge #3 called in sick at the last moment, and I happened to be standing there when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (native Texans) that it would be a fun event & a true taste of Texas hospitality. they assured me that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy, and besides they told me I could have free beer (Woohoo!) during the tasting, so I accepted." Here are the scorecards from the event:
Chili # 1: Rasco's Maniac Mobster Monster Chili
JUDGE ONE: A little too heavy on tomato. Amusing kick.
JUDGE TWO: Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
TERENCE: Hell fire, what the hell is in this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway with it. Took me two beers to put the flames out. Hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
Chili # 2: Shadow's Afterburner Chili
JUDGE ONE: Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight Jalapeno tang.
JUDGE TWO: Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
TERENCE: Keep this out of the reach of children! I'm not sure what I am supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off three people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to walkie-talkie in five extra cases of beers when they saw the look on my face.
Chili # 3: Killachu's Famous "Burn Down the Barn" Chili
JUDGE ONE: Excellent firehouse chili! Great kick. Needs more beans.
JUDGE TWO: A bean less chili, a bit salty, good use of red pepper.
TERENCE: Call the EPA, I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. Also, I'm getting poop-faced.
Chili # 4: Sabrina-Natsumi's Black Magic
JUDGE ONE: Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
JUDGE TWO: Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
TERENCE: I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Sally, the bar maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills, that 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT, just like this nuclear-waste I'm eating.
Chili # 5: Akuko's Legal Lip Remover
JUDGE ONE: Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
JUDGE TWO: Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
TERENCE: My ears are ringing, and I can no longer focus my eyes. I passed gas and four people behind me needed help from the paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer on it from a pitcher. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw those rednecks!
Chili # 6: Psyborg's Very Vegetarian Variety
JUDGE ONE: Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spice & peppers.
JUDGE TWO: The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions & garlic, Superb.
TERENCE: My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except Sally. A snow cone to sit on would feel real good about now!
Chili # 7: SaraJ's Screaming Sensation Chili
JUDGE ONE: A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
JUDGE TWO: Ho Hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should note that I am worried about Judge Number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
TERENCE: You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a damn thing. I've lost the sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lave-like stuff to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy they'll know what killed me. I've deceded to stop breathing, it's just too painful. Screw it, I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4 inch hole in my stomach.
Chili # 8: Texas Longhorn Chili
JUDGE ONE: A perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili, safe for all, not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
JUDGE TWO: This final entry is a good, balanced chili, neigher mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge Number 3 passed out, fell and pulled the chili pot on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fellow, even if he was a DamnYankee.
TERENCE: - - - - - - - - - -
(editor's note: Judge #3 was unable to report)
