Blog
Meet the judges for the 11th Annual VisArts Chili Throwdown
Brace yourselves: There’s a 100% chance of chili on Friday, October 3. At VisArts’ community fundraiser this fall, hundreds of our friends and neighbors will come together to blindly taste-test chili from 25+ of Richmond’s favorite restaurants. As an event attendee, you get to browse hundreds of handmade bowls, pick one (or more!) to take home, listen to live music, and sample as much chili as your heart desires. Amidst all this fun, you have an incredibly important and serious decision to make: Which tent has your vote for best chili?
In addition to our attendees’ votes for the People’s Choice Award, VisArts invites a panel of judges to make things even more competitive. Over the years, we’ve tapped local food writers and critics to help us crown a Chili Champ. This year, we’re spicing things up with a group of local icons whose expertises range from meteorology to recipe development to video production. VisArts is thrilled to share that Andrew Freiden, Stephanie Ganz, and Kelli Lemon are our judges for the 11th Annual Chili Throwdown presented by TowneBank!
“When they told me there was free food involved, I was interested,” shared Freiden. “Then when I found out I would be able to participate in an event to help the Visual Arts Center, I was sold! VisArts is a jewel of the Richmond arts scene and I’m honored to take part.”
Andrew Freiden
Meteorologist + Executive Weather Producer for 12 On Your Side
Andrew Freiden is 12 On Your Side’s morning meteorologist. He was born in Blacksburg and raised in Reston. Andrew graduated with a degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia. He came to 12 On Your Side from Roanoke.
Stephanie Ganz
Food Writer + Recipe Developer
Stephanie Ganz is an award-winning writer and recipe developer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Bon Appetit, Southern Living, Eater, and The Kitchn. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Stephanie has lived in Richmond since 2009, when she found the last $500/month apartment on Ellwood. She is an avowed homebody—happiest with her cats and her garden, but when she goes out, it’s to shop at the farmers market, volunteer at SCAN preschool, or support her two kids in their many endeavors.
Kelli Lemon
Media Personality + Social Entrepreneur
Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people “LIVE” Virginia through food, sports, arts, and education as a cultural connector via her company, Like the Fruit LLC. She brings community news to life through video content as Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network / Richmond Times Dispatch. Among many other ventures and initiatives, Kelli also owns social cafe and coffee shop, Urban Hang Suite, located in Richmond’s Jackson Ward and Art’s Districts.
Get excited for another fun event celebrating clay, community, and of course, chili.