Bottomless Bowls at Chili Cook-Off

Go hungry and leave with a full stomach and a handcrafted ceramic bowl when the presents its fourth annual Bowls Event on Saturday, March 19.

According to Gail Hisle, the center's executive director, the event will feature some 400 to 500 bowls hand crafted by center volunteers. The idea is for attendees to buy a bowl, ranging in price from $15 to $25, and then fill it with as much chili as desired during the cook-off.

"We make it fun," she said. "Buy a bowl and fill it with chili samples. In addition to being able to choose a bowl, each bowl is very unique." The bowls are all food, dishwasher and microwave safe.

Larger bowls will be available for purchase during a silent auction. Proceeds from the event benefit the non-profit art center.

As for the chili? Interested cooks are invited to apply by Friday, March 11, to enter the cook-off. What's in it for them is a chance to show off their cooking skills and to win either the popular or judge's choice competition, with 25-pound bowls as first prizes.

According to Hisle, around 15 to 17 cooks enter the contest, some dressed in costume, while offering up a variety of chili flavors.

The event is Saturday, March 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Johns Creek Arts Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Road. For more information on the event, purchasing bowls in advance, or entering the cook-off, visit the center's website.