Reminder: Pearly Baker Chili Contest is Today

In the mood for a taste of some of the Lehigh Valley's best restaurants?

Then head to Pearly Baker's today for their 18th annual chili cook-off, which challenges dozens of local restaurants to present their take on a classic cold-weather food.

Doors open at 11 a.m., and admission is $5. If you're worried about the cook-off conflicting with the Super Bowl, don't be. Things tend to wrap up well before game time.

This year's competitors -- listed on the Pearly Baker's Facebook page -- include:

• Mothers
• Two Rivers Brewing Company
• Porter's
• Valenca
• The River Grille
• Rivals
• Spinners Tavern
• Copperhead Grille
• Blue
• Melt
• The Trapp Door
• Savory Grille
• The Mint
• Horns
• Molly's Irish Grille
• Grumpy's Bar-B-Que Roadhouse

As usual, Pearly Baker's will offer up two kinds of chili, but sit out the competition.

Instead, it pits its chilis against each other, with the two dishes inspired by the two teams in the Super Bowl.

(For example, in 2011, when the Steelers played the Packers, Pearly's made one chili that had short ribs marinated in Pabst Blue Ribbon and topped with Wisconsin cheddar, and a Pittsburgh-themed chili featuring kielbasa with coleslaw and shoestring fries for Pittsburgh.)

Proceeds from this year's cook-off will benefit the Easton Ambassadors. There will also be a raffle to benefit the Center for Animal Health and Welfare.