Stirring Up Some Fun

Spittin’ Dave was ready with a flask of whiskey in one hand and a wooden spoon in another, preparing what he hoped would be the winning chili of the day.

Dave Lukasiak and about a dozen other chili chefs, vendors and artisans prepared their goodies for thousands of visitors at the 1997 Cypress Street Festival on Saturday.

As the early morning clouds wore off and sunshine seeped in, the crowds grew larger in eager anticipation of the festival highlights such as the chili cook-off and the Medieval jousting contest.

Early in the morning, the cooks assembled at their posts, readying their ingredients for the afternoon contest that would send the winner home with $300. For these part-time chefs, chili is not only a source of nutrients but a way of life.

“Every weekend, somewhere, there is a chili cook-off contest,” said Suzanne Potter, whose husband, Marvin, created their trademark Turbo Chili. “It’s a great way to make friends.”

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Indeed, the contests are a nice change of pace for Stephanie Mitchell, creator of Over the Road Chili. When she’s not on the road driving a tour bus, Mitchell likes to spend her free time in the kitchen delicately improving her recipe.

For Mitchell, the key is in the spices and the balance of flavors, between the garlic, the tomatoes and the meat. Mostly though, it’s just enjoyable.

“You gotta make it fun,” said Mitchell, who lives in Compton. “When it gets to the point where it is work, you have got to stop.”

No need to tell Spittin’ Dave Lukasiak about fun.

He started cooking chili some two dozen years ago, an accidental hobby he formed while nursing a mean hangover.

“I felt like crap,” recalled Lukasiak. “So, I just kept stirring my pot of chili, drinking my Jack Daniels and then spitting on the side.”

Though the name Spit ‘N’ Whiskey Chili did not exactly lure the crowds in, Lukasiak took it all in stride, holding his silver whiskey flask on the side of a chopping board.

“I’ll be sure to test some of yours,” teased one woman as she walked past Lukasiak’s tent.

But chili, though the event’s highlight, was not the only thing happening at the festival.

Nine-year-old Bradley Alexander sat himself down on some concrete steps to take a break from all the action, eating a cheese pizza slice, getting red sauce all over his white shirt and sipping a Pepsi.

“There’s a lot of stuff to do,” Alexander said. “This is pretty fun.”

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Indeed, 5-year-old Jessica Cruz danced the morning away in a special Lion King dance she and a group of dance school classmates put together.

Wearing black whiskers and a Lion King tiara, Jessica reckoned she was not at all nervous but rather had a fantastic time performing.

“I like to dance,” she said.

Some vendors such as Bonsai tree seller Shigeru Ikeda, weren’t exactly having as much fun as Jessica. Though business was real slow Saturday, Ikeda tried to enjoy the day anyway, munching on some cookies baked by his wife, who was sitting in the shade.

“This is a nice environment,” Ikeda said. “I’m sure I’ll end up doing OK.”