CHILI CHEFS FACE OFF AS HOT RODS SHINE IN CHARITY BENEFIT.

Byline: Don Holland Daily News Staff Writer

Thousands of chili connoisseurs and devotees of that other American passion - the automobile - jammed the grounds of St. Rose of Lima Church on Sunday for the annual Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-off and Car Show.

The sanctioned competition drew 11 seasoned chili cooks, including Debbie and Wayne LaFarr, a Newbury Park couple competing under the banner of ``Route 66 Chili.'' Although they've judged chili cook-offs for the past few years, this was their first time to literally get into the thick of the competition.

``We're virgin cook-offers, so she's christening us with water,'' said Debbie LaFarr, as a rival chili cook unleashed a soggy barrage from a high-powered squirt gun. ``It's a gorgeous day. Everybody's out here with a beautiful attitude. And all is right with the world.''

Joe Elias of Simi Valley brought his family out to witness his debut on the chili circuit.

``Every time I'd make it at barbecues, people would just love it,'' Elias said. ``So I thought mine would hold its own if I entered.''

Joel Erickson, head judge and a 20-year veteran of the International Chili Society cook-off circuit, said prize-winning chili requires a subtle blend of ingredients. Too much spice can quickly touch off a three-alarm blaze to the taste buds, while too many vegetables can make the concoction too sweet.

``I look for something that's very consistent in flavor and has both an up-front and a back (of the throat) flavor,'' Erickson said. ``You don't want any one flavor to overpower what you're making.''

Between tasting the samples, there were pony rides and vendors hawking everything from crafts and hats to artwork and ice cream cones, as several thousand attendees soaked up the sun and listened to the Rick Tucker Band.

The event also drew roughly 70 vintage automobiles, each one shining like a diamond and dripping with chrome and memories.

Mike and Pat Moore of West Hills brought their baby - a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette that was originally owned by entertainer Dean Martin.

``I did most of the work you're looking at,'' Mike Moore said, as an admirer inspected the red interior and white paint job of the beautifully restored sports car. ``It gets a lot of oohs and ahhs.''

Proceeds from the event support St. Rose of Lima Church and a host of activities, including events for youths, housing support for the elderly and food for the needy.

``We sponsor a lot of charities and this is where we get the money,'' said Tim Martin of the Knights of Columbus Council 5803, based in Simi Valley.

Last year's event drew 8,000 people and raised $14,000.

``It's more than just a charity event,'' said Mike Palacios, chili cook-off chairman. ``It brings the community together and it brings all the faiths together.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Wayne LaFarr, left, watches Lou Renna and Debbie LaFarr add onions to their chili.

(2) David Rhoades, center, leads sons Michael and Joey in the cook-off cool-off team, spraying overheated visitors with cooling water.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News