ITHACA, N.Y.(WENY)--Today, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance held their 21st annual Chili cook off on the Ithaca Commons. Over 35 vendors came out to the cook off to show off why their chili is the best. Over 45 chili were entered into the competition from all over the area. But, not only was there chili, but also beverages, desserts, and other treats for festival goers to enjoy. 

"Today we have about 35 different competitors with 45 different chilies and different beverages for people to sample. They are competing for several different prizes. We have a judges panel that will judge that will judge the best meat and vegetarian chili and the best beverage. And people get to vote for the peoples choice winner which is a very highly coveted award," says Summer Keowun, Special Events Director for Downtown Ithaca Alliance. 

The cook off started at 11:30 this morning and will be running until 4:00 p.m. this evening. Officials did say that the vendors will be serving until they run out, which may be before 4:00 p.m. So if you would like to attend, officials urge you to come sooner than later. 

The winners of the chili cook off were:

People's Choice Best Chili 

Winner: Ithaca Beer

Runner Up: Mia Restaurant

3rd Place: Cayuga Medical Center 

Best Presentation: 

Winner: Simeon's American Bistro

Runner Up: Luna Inspired Street Food

3rd Place: Mia Restaurant 

Best Meat Chili:

Winner: McCormick's at Moakley House (Cornell Dining) 

McCormick's at Moakley House, of Cornell Dining, won the Best Meat Chili category with a smoked duck, chorizo, and bourbon chili, topped with Crown Royal creme fraiche, crispy duck skin, and chives. 

Runner Up: Gorgers

3rd Place: Mia Restaurant 

Best Veggies Chili:

Winner: Mossewood

The Best Vegetarian/Vegan Chili title was claimed by Moosewood for their chipotle cherry chocolate chili. Best Beverage went to Wagner Valley Brewing Co. for their Fassen Bock Bourbon brew.

Runner Up: Ithaca Soy

3rd Place: Gorgers 

Best Beverage: 

Wagner Valley Brewing Co. 

Runner Up: Ithaca Beer

3rd Place: Grist Iron