During the month of January, Vancouver Foodster hosted the first Chili Challenge, showcasing the best chili creations by 11 restaurants across the Lower Mainland. I was among a panel of four media judges evaluating the spicy samples offered up by the different establishments and the results were released yesterday. Here are the official winners:

1) Oaxacan Chili ($7.50 @ The Meatery, 3108 Edgemont Blvd.)

Highlights: six different types of chili peppers, mexican beef and pork chorizo, peanut crema, salsa verde, mango

2) Chili Island ($15 @ Morocco West, 795 Jervis St.)

Highlights: beef and lamb merguez, taktouka, cucumber yogurt, in-house-made fried bread “island”

3) Turkey Chili ($5.50 @ Truffle Fine Foods Cafe, 5151 Oak St.)

Highlights: generous helping of serrano and pasilla chili peppers, tangy cilantro kaffir lime yogurt

Some of the other entries:

• The Rinnegato ($10.99 @ Cioffi’s Cucina, 4150 East Hastings St.)

Highlights: grilled skirt steak, served in a homemade bread bowl, topped with a poached egg

• Chef Jon’s 5 Alarm Chili ($7 @ Personas Restaurant, 4331 Dominion St.)

Highlights: chili slow cooked for six hours, sprinkled with shredded cheese blend and green onions, fresh baked jalapeno corn bread

• Frog Chili ($8 @ The Frog & Nightgown, 1125 Falcon Dr.)

Highlights: hearty, classic-style chili, topped with lots of cheese, served with a baguette

• Butternut Squash Winter Chili ($12 @ ABODE Restaurant, 1223 Robson St.)

Highlights: vegetarian, blend of butternut squash and assorted root vegetables, chipotle spice, served in a locally-made sourdough bread bowl

• Chili Con Carne del Pato ($8 @ The Baker and The Chef

Highlights: made with duck confit and tomatillo, optional egg yolk, house-made pretzel stick