Lourdes Thoricht took first place in the Judges’ Choice category at the 10th Annual Catalina Island Chili Cook-off with her Chicken Enchilada Chili, while attendees voted Avalon Smoke House’s Grandpa Richard’s Slow Smoked Brisket the People’s Choice winner. The Rotary Club of Avalon Foundation fundraiser was held Saturday, Oct. 3, at South Beach in Avalon, where cooks from the island and beyond competed for over $3,000 in prize money, with proceeds benefiting the Avalon Rotary Club Foundation.
Judges’ Choice Winners
1st Place: Lourdes Thoricht — Chicken Enchilada Chili
2nd Place: Catalina Island Company — Bison Chili “Stampede in a Bowl”
3rd Place: Amanda King of Catalina Island Yamaha — “The Chili Kings”
People’s Choice Winners
1st Place: Avalon Smoke House — Grandpa Richard’s Slow Smoked Brisket
2nd Place: Adrian Thoricht — The Catalina Rattler. (Adrian also holds the distinction of being First Place winner Lourdes’ husband!)
3rd Place: Catalina Island Health — Doctor’s Orders
In a generous show of community spirit, both the Catalina Island Company and Amanda King of Catalina Island Yamaha donated their winnings back to the Rotary Club of Avalon Foundation, extending the event’s impact on community projects, youth scholarships, medical travel, and environmental sustainability.
“Congratulations to Lourdes and to all of this year’s cooks, and a special thank-you to the Catalina Island Company and Catalina Island Yamaha for giving their winnings back to the community,” said Michael Ponce, Board President. “Ten years in, the Chili Cook-off continues to show how much this community shows up for one another.”
Sponsors
The Rotary Club of Avalon Foundation thanks the local island businesses whose generous support made this year’s Chili Cook-off possible:
Platinum Sponsors ($1,000): Catalina Island Foundation, Catalina Island Company, Leo’s, Catalina Island Golf Cart, Catalina Divers Supply, Brown’s Bike, Ciao-Baci, The Steamer Trunk, Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company, Catalina Tours, Catalina By the Sea, The Lobster Trap and Von’s grocers.
Gold Sponsors ($750): Catalina Broadband, US Bank
Silver Sponsors ($500): Exceptional Music, Lloyds of Avalon, Marlin Club, Catalina Island Conservancy, Love Catalina, NDMK/TOPSIDE, Catalina Adventure Tours, Catalina Express, Chet’s Hardware, Yamaha
Eric’s on the Pier is also a financial supporter.
The Catalina Island Chili Cook-off is presented by the Rotary Club of Avalon Foundation as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the Catalina Island community. Now in its 10th year, the event has grown into a signature island tradition featuring chili from local and visiting cooks, live music, and family-friendly activities on South Beach.