It was 3:30 when we pulled into the parking lot at the
Noyes Museum of Art.
The museum is committed to "creating a thriving cultural environment
for experiencing the arts in the southern New Jersey region." It is a
small, but vibrant museum and if last night was any indication, it is
succeeding fabulously. Last night was the museum's second annual Chili
Cook-Off.
I
wouldn't typically think of chili as a force for art appreciation, but
at Noyes, it surely is. I was surprised to learn that we were setting
up, not in an empty lobby or meeting room, but right in the middle of
the gallery itself.
I
am not the world's neatest cook, but I was on my best behavior, and
even after a couple of beers (yes, in addition to the chili, the museum
was serving beer last night) I managed not to make a mess. Hundreds of
people turned out to sample the chili and art.
The museum itself is adjacent to the
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. The view is extraordinary.
And
my chili? My Smoked Pork - Black Bean Chili took Third Place in the
judging. If you're interested, the recipe is posted on my website.
