Chilifest returns to Rockit this week

Chili comes in many varieties: beans, no beans, turkey, beef, vegetarian, with pasta, with cheese, etc. From January 18-22, Rockit (River North and Wrigleyville locations) will have ’em all and then some (well, not the veggie stuff, but you can go to Whole Foods for that). The second annual Chilifest offers three preparations of the dish throughout the week (turkey chili w/cheese and cilantro, $6; Chili Mac, turkey chili atop four-cheese mac and cheese, $12; and chili cheese fries, topped w/ turkey chili and cheddar and jack cheeses, $7) as well as a special preparation from chef James Gottwald each day ($10).

A portion of all chili sales will benefit Greater Chicago Food Depository, with the week culminating in a special fundraising event at Rockit Wrigleyville on Friday, January 22.

Read on for the full menu of special preparations.

Monday, January 18

Duck Confit and Pork Sausage Chili

pinto beans, tomato and applewood smoked bacon and chervil

Tuesday, January 19

Mole Poblano Style Chili

ground beef, dark and smoky ancho peppers with Mexican chocolate and cilantro

Wednesday, January 20

True Texan Chipotle Chili

no beans about it all meat chili made with slow braised chipotle rubbed beef brisket with tortillas and sour cream

Thursday, January 21

Super Hot Chili

chopped black beef with ghost peppers Bhut Jolokia, scotch bonnet peppers, habanero peppers and red kidney beans

Friday, January 22

Scallop and White Bean Chili

poached scallops, cannelloni white beans and sweet red bell peppers