The Super Bowl wasn’t the only high-stakes competition being enjoyed by Easton residents this past Sunday.
“We were trying to decide whose chili would go on the menu,” said Philip Simonetta, owner of Pearly Baker’s Alehouse. “We thought, with Super Bowl Sunday, why don’t we throw a big party, and then whoever’s chili wins will go on the menu for the year?”
The alehouse hosted its first-ever “Chili Challenge” and Super Bowl party on Sunday, pitting three house recipes against one another.
After being associated with the Easton Chili Cookoff for 29 years, Pearly Baker’s set out on its own this year with a $10 tasting event that invited patrons to sample and vote on chili recipes from Philip, his mother, Tara Simonetta, and Chef Josh Rios. For $25, attendees also received complimentary appetizers throughout the evening.
When votes were tallied, Tara and Philip Simonetta were locked in a tie. Ultimately, son yielded to mother, whose chili will now secure a spot on Pearly Baker’s menu for the year.
Attendance grew rapidly after kickoff, with the bar packed by halftime. Patrons gathered with family and friends, eating, drinking and cheering throughout the game.
Attendees spoke warmly of the atmosphere and cuisine.
“I love the family,” one patron said. “The food, the drinks, the customers who come in, they’re family too.”
“Everybody won in the Chili Challenge because they decided to go out there and compete,” another patron added.
Afterwards, Philip Simonetta deemed the cook-off a resounding success.
“It was a great night,” Simonetta said. “We had a really good turnout. Family hanging out, just a great time.”
The event appears to have staying power, with Philip Simonetta confirming that the Chili Challenge will return next year and expand.
“Every year, it’ll be a different chili on our menu,” he said, adding that the broader public would be invited to compete next year. “Whoever makes the chili, if they’re willing to give us their recipe, will go with their name and recipe until next Super Bowl.”
With Pearly Baker’s no longer involved, the Easton Chili Cookoff continued as a Super Bowl tradition, organized and hosted instead by the Greater Easton Development Partnership.
“Being able to be a part of an event that has showcased Easton’s best chili for over three decades was something we felt was a great privilege,” said Joe Dimeck, a Greater Easton Development Partnership staff member. “This event aligns well with both our primary mission and as fans of food.”
“Not a bad day of work getting to sample chilis from so many great restaurants,” he said.
A correction was made on Feb. 13, 2026: A previous version of this article misstated the names of Josh Rios and Philip Simonetta.
Fran • Feb 13, 2026 at 7:04 pm
Thumbs up ! For the chili contest idea – And the great article!! Would love to have been there! Maybe next year!!