Bobby Flay's chili throwdown

by Nicole Weston, Posted Jul 28th 2006 @ 10:02AM

While the camera work on the show Throwdown with Bobby Flay tries to make all the contestants look shocked when Flay challenges them, I suspect that all of them would accept the challenge even if they knew about it in advance. Some, like this week's contestant, Cindy Reed Wilkins, would definitely take him up because even though Flay is a chef with decades of professional experience under his belt, she has a room full of prestigious trophies that say her chili is one of the best Texas-style chilis in the world. And as she said, you have to be competitive to be great.

The chili cookoff was interesting because it introduced the viewer to the world of cooking competition chilis, which are made according to strict rules (In fact, the rule that contestants aren't allowed to fire guns or use pyrotechnics during the compettitions just seems downright unfair) that would not be known to the average home cook. Wilkins provided some great tips on how to make a competition chili, from what kind of ingredients to use to how big to cut the chunks of beef (3/8-in.).

Cindy faced off against Flay in front of her family and a whole group of friends from the competition chili circuit. And whose chili reigned supreme after the throwdown, which was judged by professional chili judges?

It was a tie, and both contestants seemed happy with that. Cindy's silk texture was praised and Flay's got points for sweetness. His secret ingredient was chocolate and, while Cindy didn't let all her secrets come out on the show, you can buy her Cin Chili online.

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Filed Under: Television/Film
Tags: bobby flay, chili, cin chili, CinChili, cindy reed wilkins, CindyReedWilkins, food network, food tv, television, texas, texas style chili, throwdown, throwdown with bobby flay, tv

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-28-2006 @11:37AM lindseyQuinn said... So having watched the chili throw-down, then rushing to OnDemand to watch BBQ/pizza, I'm having serious mixed feelings about Flay.

I'd always found him arrogant, and I think this methoc of surprise!-this-is-a-challenge-and-I've-spent-weeks-preparing is a little sketchy ... but Flay actually seems genial here, and humble when he loses.

Still trying to get over this surprise attack element, though. ...
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7-28-2006 @11:43AM MJ said... Stop with the one up on everyone! Hes a great chef. Love Iron Chef, but enough with the I am the best in the world attitude!!
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7-28-2006 @12:16PM Joe said... So, I'm curious. How many people think that the surprise ingredients on Iron Chef are a surprise for these guys? I don't know why I think this, but it seems like the Japanese version had real surprise ingredients, but the American version doesn't.
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7-28-2006 @1:20PM Dr. Electro said... Three cheers for Cindy! Her chili is to die for! I think she has the closest to a perfect recipe a human gat get. She deserves every trophy and accolade with extras. If there's a chili hall of fame she will assuredly be there one day.
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7-28-2006 @1:33PM guest1234567 said... "The chili cookoff was interesting because it introduced the viewer to the world of cooking competition chilis"

Where have you been? Chili cook offs have been on TV for years. Specifically on the same channel that Mr. Flay is on.
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