Chili Cook-Off, Winter Restaurant Week return to Downtown Kalamazoo in February
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Contact: Meghan Behymer, Communications + Marketing Manager
mbehymer@downtownkalamazoo.org | 269-344-0795
The Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is proud to be hosting the 17th Annual Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off and Winter Restaurant Week this February throughout downtown.
Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off is a free, community event from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 19. For 17 years, this annual tradition has been a community-favorite event to explore downtown, sample chili recipes, and visit new and familiar stores and restaurants.
Visitors to Chili Cook-Off can expect 20+ different chilis to sample in an entirely outdoor event while DJ Chuck takes care of the entertainment scene on the S. Kalamazoo Mall. Also, back by popular demand, commemorative tasting spoons! Pick yours up for only $5 at any of the three information tents located at the corner of South St./Kalamazoo Mall, Michigan Ave./Kalamazoo Mall, and Portage St./Michigan Ave. Spoons can be pre-ordered here: https://bit.ly/ChiliSpoons2022
An Official Judge’s Panel will determine which chili competitors deserve the “Judge’s Best Chili.” Chili Cook-Off attendees will be able to vote through text message to determine “People’s Choice,” “Best Retailer,” and “Best Restaurant” awards. Winners are announced after all the chili is gone and results have been tallied.
Downtown Kalamazoo Winter Restaurant Week
Downtown Kalamazoo Winter Restaurant Week is back for another year of great food and beverages from area restaurants beginning Friday, February 18 – Sunday, February 27.
Winter Restaurant Week offers local food enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience some of downtown Kalamazoo’s most amazing restaurants. For 10 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating restaurants showcase special menus with prices set at $10, $25, and/or $35 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).
In addition to food offerings, a fan favorite element of the week is back as well, the cocktail competition. Participating restaurants are crafting up delicious cocktails for diners to cast their vote on as the 2022 Cocktail Competition winner. Many restaurants can offer cocktails to-go if permitted to do so through the Central Commons Refreshment Area.
Downtown Restaurants may sign up now through January 21. There is no cost to participate in this promotion.
During these times and always, the health and safety of Restaurant Week diners and staff at each participating location and community are top priorities. Each restaurant is required to follow all local and state regulations, as well as CDC recommendations for safe dining practices. Diners can expect to see some modifications to the dining experience at various locations, i.e. menus accessed via QR codes, limited condiments and utensils on tables, expanded outdoor seating, hand sanitizing stations, etc.
All are invited to experience Downtown Kalamazoo Restaurant Week, whether it be by ordering takeout, visiting an old favorite for a meal inside or outdoors, or grabbing a cocktail to enjoy with friends. We ask that diners be patient, respectful, and support participating restaurants and their teams as we all navigate these times.
The Winter Restaurant Week lineup will be announced at downtownkalamazoo.org after January 21.
About Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership
Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that works with both the public and private sectors in preserving and enhancing the economic health of Kalamazoo’s downtown area and, in turn, the Kalamazoo community. In conjunction with its affiliate organizations, it manages a full range of activities that include capital improvement projects, business development and recruitment programs, image marketing and event planning in order to establish Downtown Kalamazoo as an accessible, diverse, green, progressive and vibrant urban center. For more information, visit downtownkalamazoo.org, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or find more downtown news on our website.
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