East Rutherford, NJ — A total of 36 cooks entered Meadowlands Racetrack’s fifth annual Homestyle Chili Cookoff last Saturday night, all vying for the grand prize of $1,000 and a spot in the International Chili Society’s 2020 World Championship.

Jason Settlemoir, COO & GM of Meadowlands Racetrack, presents Nathan Gramm with this $1,000 prize check for best Homestyle Chili. Meadowlands photo.

Nathan Gramm of Dillsburg, Pa., took home the $1,000 prize for his homestyle chili. Gramm is an ICS competition veteran and flies all around the United States to compete in chili cook-offs.

Chili cook-off veteran Chris Johnson took home $500 for her second place finish. Meadowlands Chili cook-off veteran Laura Stoessel took the $250 third place prize.

Gregory Farm of Rosyln, Pa., took home the $1,000 grand prize for his chili verde beating out 18 other competitors in the category. This was Farm’s first time competing at the Meadowlands. His win also qualifies him for the 2020 World Chili Verde Championship.

“This was an awesome event,” said Farm. “It was lots of fun. I’m excited to compete again next year!”

Robert Quinones, the 2018 and 2019 People’s Choice champ, finished in second place for his chili verde and took home $500 while first time competitor Jarron Smith walked away with $250 for his third place finish.

It was a record number of participants and a record number of patrons on hand to sample and vote for their favorite chili throughout the evening.

The $250 People’s Choice prize went to Brian Walker.

“This has become a major event for us at the track,” said Meadowlands General Manager and COO Jason M. Settlemoir. “Each year the number of participants grows and exceeds our expectations. We are looking forward to next year’s event!”

For upcoming events and promotions, visit www.playmeadowlands.com.