Republicans Win "Best Chili;" Herzfeld to Pay Up

The matchup between Windsor town councilmen Mike McDonald (R) and Bill Herzfeld (D) lived up to all the hype Saturday as the Republicans were victorious in a landslide decision from the 2012 Chili Challenge judges.

McDonald, the chef of the Republicans' now-award-winning pot of chili was awarded the "best tasting chili" trophy, which was designed and created by Windsor resident Tim White.

The announcement of the Windsor Republicans' victory came to a surprise to some, including McDonald himself, who said he improved his recipe by making this year's batch of chili spicier than last year's.

Kicking his chili up a notch not only won him a piece of Chili Challenge art to place on a mantle at home, but it also made him the winner of a bet he made with Herzfeld.

According to the conditions of the bet the loser will have to donate $10 to the political party of the winner's choice.

Deciding to go a little astray from the original wager terms, McDonald, speaking after his victory Saturday, said he plans to require Herzfeld to make a donation to a Windsor charity group and he will then match that donation.

He has yet to identify which local group will receive the donations.

Other 2012 Chili Challenge awards include:

Best Booth

Honorable Mention: Mad Scientists

Third Place: Buffalo Soldiers

Second Place: D'Aleo Designs

First Place: Windsor Jaycees

People's Choice

Honorable Mentions: Union Street Tavern, Windsor High School Culinary

Third Place: Villari's Martial Arts

Second Place: Buffalo Soldiers

First Place: Mad Scientists

Best Chili

Third Place: Izote

Second Place: Walgreens Distribution

First Place: Windsor Republicans