Chili contest offers prizes and a chance to help sick kids

Chef Russell Siu is bringing back his Kakaako Kitchen Chili Cook-Off, a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, and right now he's looking for a few good chili cooks.

You've got a few weeks, until Aug. 1, to perfect and transcribe that chili recipe -- 24 finalists will be invited to prepare 5 gallons of chili for the cook-off, 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Ward Centre restaurant.

Entries will be judged on originality, texture, taste and presentation, for prizes including a trip for two to Maui.

For those who'd rather eat, a $10 donation buys a taste of each chili and two beers or other drinks. The money supports the McDonald House's programs for critically ill children.

Drop off your recipe -- with name, address, telephone number and e-mail address -- at Kakaako Kitchen, fax 533-4195 or e-mail lisaakim@hawaii.rr.com. All recipes become the property of Kakaako Kitchen. Call 545-4195.