9th Annual Riviera Maya Chili Cook-Off Heats Up Puerto Aventuras

Puerto Aventuras, Mexico – March 3, 2025 – The highly anticipated 9th Annual Riviera Maya Chili Cook-Off brought the heat once again at Restaurant Latitude 20° +/-, marking the eighth consecutive year at this beloved local venue. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, the event gathered chili fans from near and far for an afternoon of fiery flavors, friendly competition, and community spirit—all in support of the club’s local charitable initiatives.

Nine talented chefs went head-to-head, serving up their best chili recipes to an eager crowd. Attendees sampled a variety of unique and flavorful chilis before casting their votes for the top contenders. The winners of this year’s cook-off were:

Third Place: Team Buena Vida – Pete Harrison, Oscar Bravo Camposeco, and John Hughes – Classic Chili con Carne
Second Place: Sean Patrick Kelly – Vegetarian Chili
First Place: Michele Samal Kinnon – Smoky Chipotle Chili

The winning chefs took home gift baskets, gift certificates from local restaurants, and the ultimate prize—bragging rights until next year. Beyond the fun and competition, the cook-off served a greater purpose, with all proceeds supporting the Seaside Rotary Club’s local initiatives, including programs like Kicks4Kids, Feeding the Future and Clean Water programs, which benefit at-risk children and families in need.

“The Seaside Rotary chili cookoff is one of our most anticipated annual fundraising activities. We are amazed by the chefs’ creations year after year,” remarked Club President Bob Bosse. “The funds raised allow us to do important community service work in the area. We are so thankful for the support we receive from businesses who donate prizes and so many of our friends and neighbors who take part.”

This annual event continues to grow in notoriety, bringing the community together over a shared love of good food and giving back. As the excitement settles from this year’s competition, chili enthusiasts are already looking forward to next year’s showdown.

For more information about the Riviera Maya Chili Cook-Off or to learn how to get involved with the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside, visit playaseasiderotary.org or follow along on Facebook.

About the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside 

Chartered by Rotary International in 2012, the Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside is a small English-speaking club with 25 members, each dedicated to upholding the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self”. The mission of Seaside Rotary is to positively impact the lives of at-risk children and families in our service area, Solidaridad. Seaside Rotary meets every Tuesday from 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM at La Vagabunda Restaurant on Calle 38 in Playa del Carmen.

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PRESS RELEASE SUBMITTED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE