Interview with Taps Chef Abe Asay Grand Champion of the 2015 Great Petaluma Chili Cookoff

So because of this ongoing controversy we had to ask Abe what he thinks;

Wayne: So Abe, does real chili have beans in it?  

Abe: There is only meat in Chili – Real chili has no beans.  However this year was the first year that I used beans in my chili.  I think the judges like it with beans.  Veggie chili is not chili.  I like trying something different each year.

Wayne: How much chili did you make that day?

Abe: I prepared 13-14 gallons of chili – I used 6 gallons for Taps and had planned to use it for the next day in the restaurant, however when I got there the 6 gallons at Taps had already sold out that same day.

Wayne: Are you willing to share your recipe with our subscribers?  

Abe: {Pause} Well, I love sharing with others – I really think in the end there are no secrets and that pretty much the ingredients are well documented and you can get them anywhere.  I can provide your subscribers with a paired down version of our grand champion chili.  I use certified angus beef 80/20 chuck grind. [See Chef’s Abe Asay’s award winning chili recipe on page 4]

Wayne: We noticed that a lot of the chili’s we tasted had exceptional taste to the meat – like a smokey barbeque brisket flavor.  How did you prepare your meat?

Abe: I actually didn’t smoke my meat – the way I get that smokey flavor to my meat is to catch the drippings off our smoker and add spices like paprika.

Wayne: Do you have any ideas of what you might do next year?

Abe: I like doing something different – so I think I want to do a salsa and a veggie chili next year.  It’s a fun event and over the years many of the competitors have become like family – its been great getting to know them over the years.  I wished more restaurants in Petaluma and more individuals would enter.

Wayne: If you would change the chili competition how would you do it?

Abe: I would like to see the chili actually cooked at the competition – I think that would be a lot of fun.

Wayne: You received the Golden Ticket to enter this year’s World Food Championship – can you tell me a little about that?

Abe: Well I am planning to go – but I haven’t done any planning so far.

Wayne: What is your favorite menu item at Taps that you like preparing as a Chef?  

Abe: Actually I like cooking everything – I really like cooking Thursday brewery nights  – We try to do a little something different each time.  I like the short ribs over polenta, mussels and fries.  Sometimes we cook Indian, Vietnamese, French and Mediterranean food. Summer is coming and I am excited about that because we will be able to offer different seasonal ingredients, salads, and barbecue.

Wayne: What is your personal favorite food?

Abe: Pho soup.  Even if it’s hot outside I love it.  It’s a comfort food.  I like sushi, Mediterranean food like paella or even a good pasta.

Wayne: Being at Taps – one of the best beer stops in Petaluma – you have to tell us what your favorite beer is?  

Abe: Anything made by Hen House.

Wayne: Thank you for your time Abe and we wish you luck at the World Food Championships.

Abe: Thank you – appreciate it.

CLICK PAGE 4 TO GET CHEF ASAY’s AWARD WINNING CHILI RECIPE