As the holiday season kicks off, what better way to warm up than with a hearty bowl of chili? Recently the halls of Smith Patrick filled with the mouthwatering aroma of simmering pots of chili. It was a showdown of spices, beans, and secret ingredients as we hosted our Chili Cook-Off! With six entries in the running, this culinary battle was fierce but oh-so-delicious.
The judges (a.k.a. our discerning coworkers) rated each chili submission on three key elements: smell, appearance, and overall taste. The competition was blind, but the flavors spoke for themselves—and maybe whispered a little extra to the judges who are big fans of cornbread on the side.
And the winners are…
🥇 1st Place: Anastasiya Ellebrecht
Anastasiya’s classic chili stole the spotlight, earning her the prized grand trophy, a chef’s hat worthy of a chili champion, and the prestigious First Place Certificate and Ribbon. Traditional? Absolutely. Delicious? Without a doubt!
🥈 2nd Place: Patty Ward
Patty brought her own spin to the traditional chili game and walked away with a well-deserved Second Place Certificate and Ribbon. It was classic with just enough personality to wow the judges.
🥉 3rd Place: Chelsea Calvird
Chelsea, our reigning bake-off champion, proved she’s no one-trick pony by snagging Third Place for her creamy and comforting white chicken chili. The golden touch continues!
The Fix-Ins and Surprises That Made It Extra Special
What’s chili without all the extras? We had everything to make your bowl truly yours: cornbread, hot dogs, and desserts galore. Angelo Ceko even brought a decadent tiramisu that deserves its own award. And if that wasn’t enough, Christian Stein surprised us all with a sausage dressing that added an unexpected—but welcome—twist to the feast.
Kudos to the Good Times Committee
No Smith Patrick event would run as smoothly as this without the hard work of our Good Times Committee. From organizing the taste tests to making sure every spoonful was enjoyed; they nailed it again. Hats off to them—and not just the chef’s hat Anastasiya won!
Join Our Team at Smith Patrick
We’re always on the lookout for talented professionals who share our commitment to excellence and our passion for collaboration. Whether you’re an experienced accountant, a whiz at organization, or just starting out in your career, Smith Patrick offers opportunities to grow, contribute, and have a little fun along the way. From chili cook-offs to bake-offs, we know how to balance hard work with moments that bring us together as a team. Check out our current job openings and see how you can be part of a dynamic workplace that values both productivity and camaraderie.
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Andrea Shewcraft
Andrea Shewcraft is the Firm Administrator/Project Manager at Smith Patrick CPAs. She brings extensive experience in operations and client services and has previously served as Director of Operations and Senior Paralegal at a St. Louis law firm.
About Smith Patrick CPAs
Smith Patrick CPAs is a boutique, St. Louis-based, CPA firm dedicated to providing personal guidance on taxes, investment advice and financial service to forward-thinking businesses and financially active individuals. For over 30 years, our firm has focused on providing excellent service to business owners and high-net worth families across the country. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Wealth Management, LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
