The Garden Cafe was proclaimed as having “Ames’ Best Chili.”

Five local restaurants participated in a chili cook-off Saturday morning to determine whose chili was king.

Iowa State’s Collegiate CattleWomen hosted the first annual beef chili contest in a tent-a-gate prior to the ISU/Texas A&M football game. More than 150 people, including ISU students, community members and even Texas A&M fans stopped to sample the chilies with 82 people casting votes for their favorites.

The Garden Cafe, 546 Main St. was considered the spiciest chili by tasters. The chili made some people’s eyes water, fortunately there was water available.

Peter Egeland, kitchen manager for Garden Cafe, liked the idea of promoting his product to the community. “We had some tough competition, and we were glad we could come out and participate.”

Other restaurants competing included: Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers, 1201 Airport Road, Ruttles, 531 Duff Ave., Wallaby’s, 3720 Lincoln Way, and People’s Bar and Grill, 2428 Lincoln Way.

The event was sponsored by the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa CattleWomen’s Association and the ISU Collegiate CattleWomen’s Association.

Angela Menke, a sophomore in veterinary medicine and adviser to the club, said the idea to hold the cook-off came as the result of brainstorming for unique ways to promote beef.

“This was our small way to help promote the beef industry,” Menke said. “Beef and meat consumption has been decreasing. We were trying to find a way to show consumers a good way to fit beef into their diet.”

Menke said the club was happy with the turnout and gained several ideas for improving the event for next year.

Brian Smith, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, stopped to participate in the voting. He said it was a good plan but thought there should be bowls instead of little cups so he could have more to eat.