STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Rhinelander High School’s ProStart team won bragging rights – and much more over the weekend in a state chili cooking competition.

The team came in first place in the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation and ProStart Sizzling Chili Bowl Throwdown for a cause. The event was held Saturday Nov. 5, in Appleton. High School ProStart programs paired up with local restaurants to create the ultimate chili.

The RHS team worked with Chef Tom from CT’s Deli to create Smoked Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili, and in their first year of competing, walked away as Grand Champions, winning a trophy, cookware set and $500.

The Hodags faced off against 9 other teams from across the state. It was after a tie-breaking second round of tasting, that their hard work was rewarded.

The students all commented that working with Chef Tom to improve their flavor profile helped make their vegan chili a contender and they were proud to keep his winning streak in Chili cook-offs going strong.