HAMLET — As city manager, Jonathan Blanton wears many hats.
On Friday, one of those was as chili connoisseur.
Blanton, along with City Councilman Johnathan Buie, Hazel Robinson and former athlete James Hamilton, served as judges for the Hamlet Senior Center’s third annual Chili Cook-off.
The judges sampled selections from five crock pots of chili — including one featuring chicken chili with corn — cooked by Detective Capt. Randy Dover of the Hamlet Police Department, Senior Center Director Sarah Locklear, Susan Sellers, Pete Wheeler and Terry Mercer.
Dover, who uses jalapenos for flavor, has won the previous two years.
The judges used a scorecard to rate the dishes based on color, aroma, texture, flavor and heat.
With the jalapenos, Dover’s likely scored high in that category.
Locklear poured the judges a ladleful from each pot, as they took time to savor the selections.
Another table had cornbread, crackers and a variety of toppings including cheese, chives, sour cream and jalapenos — just in case there weren’t enough already.
As the judges made their way through the pots, Locklear offered up servings to the visitors at the senior center.
“Any crowd favorites? Now’s your time to influence a judge,” Blanton joked as the contest neared its end.
This year’s cook-off was dedicated to Hamlet Police Chief Scott Waters, who retires at the end of the month. Locklear presented him with a chef’s hat featuring the department’s badge.
When the judges had made their decision, Blanton said, “We’ve had a great time. It was a difficult decision.”
Buie also complemented the cornbread.
Before announcing the winner, Locklear polled the crowd on their favorite selection. Pot A, which was Dover’s chili, seemed to be the audience’s choice.
Despite that, Locklear, representing the Senior Center, was the winner.
A medal will be on display at the center until next year’s competition.
