Series of Chili Cook-Offs to Benefit Fairfax 2015 World Police and Fire Games

PHOTO: Gypsy Soul Chef RJ Cooper pauses for a photo with his family. Cooper goes head to head with local firefighters in a series of benefit chili cook-offs starting Monday at his restaurant in the Mosaic District. Photo courtesy of Gypsy Soul.

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In anticipation of the Fairfax 2015 World Police & Fire Games, Gypsy Soul is hosting firefighters from various Fairfax County firehouses to go up against James Beard award-winning Chef RJ Cooper in a chili cook-off battle event.

Each Monday beginning Monday, March 2 and ending Monday, March 30, firehouses have a chance to raise money to benefit the games, a biennial athletic event open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world.

During the games, June 26-July 5, you’ll likely find some of the 12,000 entrants and 5,000 volunteers all over Northern Virginia, including the Mosaic District in Merrifield.

“I have profound respect for first responders,” says Chef Cooper, in response to the weekly battle ”throw down.”

“The bravery they perform daily is priceless,“ he said. “As a cook, I have heard about these amazing firehouse cooks, and well, let’s just say challenge on! Chili is like pizza – it’s all deeply personal and let’s see who comes out of the fire!”

The launch date of this battle royal is Monday. Each team, Chef RJ Cooper vs. a Fairfax County firefighter, will prepare 50 portions to serve at both lunch and dinner service at Gypsy Soul. Guests will receive two bowls of chili, along with a ballot, for $10.

Votes will be tallied at the end of the day and the winner will be announced the following morning on social media.

Customers must buy the chili in order to vote. First come, first served, and firefighters will be on hand to discuss the games and chili cook-off throughout the challenge. If the firehouse wins, the games receive 100 percent of the chili revenue from that day. If chef wins, they receive 50 percent. The firehouse that receives the most votes will receive a pig roast courtesy of Chef Cooper.

“This partnership is an example of the type of excitement the 2015 World Police & Fire Games are bringing to this community,” states Bill Knight, president and CEO of Fairfax 2015, Inc., the organizing committee for the games. “We are excited to work with Chef RJ Cooper and his team to promote the Games and provide a platform for Fairfax County Firefighters to showcase their culinary skills!”

To further the stakes, each Monday is a different chili style:

• March 2: Red Chili
• March 9: Chili Verde
• March 16: Vegetarian Chili
• March 23: Venison Chili
• March 30: Turkey Chili

The restaurant is located at 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax. For more information, call 703.992.0933 or visit www.gypsysoul-va.com.