Chili Co. Releases New Innovative Smart-Phone App. Even We're Impressed!

We live in a grab and go society and Chili Co. knows it.

Technology giants, Chili Co. announced today via Chili Fax, that their first smart phone app is now available for purchase. We received a beta version a few months ago for testing purposes and have nothing but the finest things to say about the new “Chili Spoon” app.

How it works is both incredibly easy and insanely innovative. Yet the technology behind it remains a very closely guarded secret. How many times have you been on the city bus, in a movie theater or waiting in line at the library when hunger strikes?  You pull out favorite chili thermos and go for your spoon, only to find out you left in your cargo shorts pocket, again!  Now, thanks to Chili Co., you never need to take a spoon with you again. This high functioning and graphically sophisticated app is the last chili spoon you will ever need.  When hunger strikes, fire up the app.  You’ll immediately see your spoon drawer.  From there you select what type of spoon works best for your chili.  There is also an auto-spoon feature that will decide on a spoon for the indecisive eater.  Once your spoon is selected, you simply choose your type of chili from the database of over 1,700 options.  Remove any case or accessory on your phone and you’re ready to feast.  Simply dunk your smart phone into your chili like you would any normal spoon and enjoy!  The Chili Spoon app takes care of the rest (except the chewing).  Cleanup is a snap too.  Just wipe the chili off the phone with a damp washcloth and  it’s back to business.

It seems Chili Co. has done it again. They never cease to impress.  We have heard rumors about future upgrades including possibly adding forks as well as an innovative cracker selection feature that is sure to impress.  A slotted spoon feature, that's a must have for crock pots, will be available in September for the iPad.

The Chili Spoon app is available now for most smart-phones for $9.99.  It’s absolutely worth every penny!

Chili Spoon - $9.99

(Please remember, this app is for chili only. Using this spoon for any other meal could damage your phone and void the warranty. Do not make phone calls while enjoying this app.)

Cheers,

Local Chili Dog Lacks Chili.

This miserable looking 'chili dog' anticipates months of ridicule from its peers.

New Chili Chat Street Team Video!

Greetings all!


Earlier this month Chili Chat sent a camera crew to Racine, WI to the First Friday Festival that takes place the first Friday of each month in the Downtown Racine area. The First Friday celebration lasts from 6-9 pm and features live music, food, beverages, and a lively atmosphere.


I think the Street Team did a good job spreading the Chili Cheer! Enjoy.

Chili Rivers Band Reunites to Record Benefit Album for Suffering Chilitown, USA.

Some thought they would never see it again in their lifetime, but Chili Chat has received confirmation that it's happening. The Chili Rivers Band has announced via Chili Co. Chili Fax, that they indeed are reuniting nearly 25 years after calling it quits. Lead singer and mandolin virtuoso Kleep Peepers informed Chili Chat that a new album and benefit concert is currently in the works. "The old gang is back! Every last one of them." said Peepers. Kleep will be joined by the original members of CRB (minus the late Wiley 'Slap' Bugleschmidt); Zip Krenshaw (Washtub bass, vox), Thurl Tandy (Jaw-harp, vox), Vance Crump (banjo, guitar, vox), Trip 'Suds' Browning (percussions, vox) and Berry Twigs (clarinet, vox).

CRB were ahead of their time. There's no question about it. They began playing together in 1968 after a chance meeting at the local fishin' hole in the small town of Fleeburt, MT. Their 1970 debut album "Chili in the Water", produced a number 1 single and gave the band some very positive press from music and food critics alike. Over the next few years they would continue to produce the bright, yet eerie sounds that would come to define the band's signature "Chili-Rag" sound. Shortly after the release of "Clove Basket" in 1976, their first album to not chart, the band lost lead organ player, Wiley 'Slap' Bugleschmidt to a lengthy battle with gingivitis.

In retrospect, this was clearly the turning point in for band. In the summer of 1977, Crump released his first solo album "3 Bean Salad" to extremely luke-warm reviews. When the band returned to the studio in 1978 to hone their new sound, it was clear that Crump had lost his focus. After spending a summer in the studio with the illustrious producer, Kelp Seebach, Crump had developed a nagging soup habit. This clearly did not mesh with the rest of the band, who's hit singles included, "Takin' Care of Chili", "Chill out Granny", "My Chili is Nothing (without you)" and "Gather 'Round Ye Chili Brother". After the reluctant release of "Progressive Chili Nose", a progressive art-rock blunder, Krenshaw began to spiral out of control with a horrid soup addiction. Hard times were clearly upon the once prominent act.  After a few year hiatus, where Crum and Krenshaw were able to sober up in controlled facility, the band regrouped to rekindle the spark. In 1986, a much older and wise CRB released the beautiful "Tears of Chili and Love" to a warm reception. But it was not to be. CRB had grown apart. Some had moved on to penning songs about hoagies or chicken salad. Others just moved on and became family men.

As I'm sure you are aware, Chilitown USA has been suffering from one of the worst chili droughts in 70 years. Dozens have been left hungry and without a trace of chili. Local diners, grocers and water fountains are all running dry with the once prominent resource. The local chili fountain in the town square has now been filled with boring old water. Tourism is at a standstill.  Things just couldn't get any worse for Chilitown USA.

When jaw-harp player Thurl Tandy, read an article about the horrific chili drought that recently hit Chilitown USA, he immediately got on the horn and notified his bandmates. "I figured, if there was anyone out there who could help...gosh darnit, it's gotta be the Chili Rivers Band. This is our calling. Chilitown USA needs us now, more than ever." It took some time to reach out to the band he once called his family.  Once everyone was reunited in the studio to record a benefit song, it was clear that the magic and passion was back. Not only did CRB record a powerful and moving track simply called "Chilitown USA", but they kept the tape rolling and laid down several more tracks that will be included on an upcoming release. "It's our first album in almost 25 years. It's great to be back with the guys tipping back a few bowls of chili and just letting the music flow though us." Trip Browning told Chili Chat.

Their self titled release will be available on cassette and CD format July, 15.

A benefit show in Chilitown USA will take place on July, 30 in Chilibluff park.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.chili-chat.com or www.chiliriversband.net.

We will also be collecting chili donations through the USPS. Stay tuned for more details.

Cheers,

Yao Ming Retires...Bruised, Broken and Hungry.

Former superstar Yao Ming retired from the NBA today after a myriad of injuries cut his career short.

The 6 time all-star, will pack his bindle and take his 7'5'' frame back to China without ever eating a bowl of All-American chili in his 8 years in the United States. "Bush league." said former Houston Rockets teammate Shane Battier. "You know, if I went to China, I'd have at least one egg roll. Even though I prefer crab rangoon, I'd still have an egg roll.  That's what you eat when you’re in China. When you're in the United States, you eat chili and probably pizza. I think he just ate sweet and sour chicken every day.  I don't think I saw him go to McDonald's once the whole time he was here." a clearly passionate Battier told a reporter from the Chili Chat Network.

We too find this disturbing. After some research we discovered that the Houston Rockets hold a chili dump every year before the all-star break. This tradition dates back to their 1997 championship season, when Mario Ellie and Clyde Drexler convinced Hakeem Olajuwon to break his month long fast by eating what they called "Magic Bean Salad". Hakeem was hooked and vowed to carry on the tradition.  However, Yao managed to have a 'commitment' every time the chili dump rolled around. "I once tried to offer him a bowl of Kenny Smith's homemade chili and I even told him he could eat it with chop sticks and he still refused! Then I said it would really help him beef up so he could box out Shaq. You know what he said to me?! 'I don't eat beef soup.' He called the shit soup!" said Battier. Talk about beating a dead horse.

According to NBA sources, Yao has a "fat chance" of making the hall of fame once this story hits the press.

Cheers,

It's a Chili Beach Blanket Blast!

Now that summer is officially upon us, we can finally take our jean shorts and floppy tank-tops out of moth balls and spend some time really enjoy the outdoors. To assist you in making the most of your summer season, Chili Chat has spent the past few months compiling a comprehensive list of the best things to do with your left over chili this season. Keep in mind, these are just suggestions. There are many, many ways to enjoy your chili during these hot and humid months.

- “Water” balloons: Chili is much better for your health than crummy, boring water.  It also makes for a much more satisfying explosion.

- Slip n’ Slide: All you need is a tarp, hose and a chili line running directly to your house.  If you only have a boring water line running to your home, call your municipal water company and ask them when the new chili lines will be installed in your area.

- Hot Potato: Fill a zip-lock bag with chili, stand in a circle with your closest friends, start the timer and see who ends up with the busted bag of chili all over their chest.

- Kiddie Pool: Although you might be too big to still fit in a kiddie pool, that shouldn’t stop you from soaking your feet in a refreshing kiddie pool filled with chunky chili con carne.

- Chili Pen-Pal: Fill an envelope with your favorite chili and send it to a stranger.  You will soon have yourself a chili pen-pal. Think of all the great times the two of you will have.  Who knows? You may end up being best friends or passionate lovers.

- Tie Dye: Take an old pillow case, tear it into strips, tie some rubber bands around it and dunk it into your favorite chili.  Allow it to dry for a few hours and you will soon have customized chili bandannas to wipe your brow during these hot summer months.

- Chili Pops: Fill an ice cube tray with your favorite style of chili, place popsicle sticks (preferably ones with jokes) in each cube and freeze.  A great way to ‘chill’ out and a special treat for all ages.

- Cargo to go: Fill your cargo pockets with chili and take it with you as your stroll down the beach.  The more pockets the better. We reccommend K-Mart's Route 66 brand.

- Fireworks: Replace the powder in all of your favorite fireworks for a really fun chili explosion!  WARNING: Do not attempt with Cincinnati chili.

Like I mentioned, don’t feel like this is all you can do with your chili this summer. The possibilities are endless.  So kick back, relax, innovate and enjoy the sunshine!

Cheers,