Chili Cook-Off To Mark the Start of a New Tradition
Jan 28, 2026 09:56PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
A chili cook-off scheduled for Sunday in Manhattan Beach marks the first of what its organizers at Culture Brewing hope will be an annual tradition.
The event will bring together standout chefs in the community to go head-to-head with their chili creations. Manhattan Beach participants include Love and Salt, MB Post, Ercoles, Bread Head, Simmzy's, Grunions, Hennessey's, and more TBA.
Tickets for the event are $20 and include 3 ounces of chili per vendor, one free pint of beer, and one vote for your favorite chili. (Under-21 guests may participate, but will not receive the pint.)
All proceeds will donated to the Mira Costa High School Ceramics Program to encourage creative expression throughout the community.
Art Program Inspired Charity Component
The event brought together two trademark Culture Brewing activities - community-centered events and a dedication to arts programming.
"Last year we hosted a very informal chili cook-off
amongst staff and regulars. It was so fun and got us thinking we should
actually do this," said Kelly Oelschlager, general manager at Culture Brewing.
Oelschlager started reaching out to neighboring restaurants and friends in the
community and gathered enough interest to put on a full-fledged event. "We’ve
locked in some heavy hitters to compete: Love & Salt, Bread Head,
MB Post, Simmzy’s, Grunions, Hennessey’s, and more," she said. "The winner gets a
championship belt, the opportunity to collaborate on a Culture beer, and
ultimate bragging rights."
The charity component was inspired by Culture Brewing's art program, in which they offer their space to a local artist each month. Oelschlager got in touch with the Mira Costa ceramics department through Shane Foley, a ceramicist that the brewery has worked with before and a Mira Costa grad. After making the connection, Culture Brewing decided that 100% of ticket sales from this event would go directly to Mira Costa’s ceramics program.
The charity component was inspired by Culture Brewing's art program, in which they offer their space to a local artist each month. Oelschlager got in touch with the Mira Costa ceramics department through Shane Foley, a ceramicist that the brewery has worked with before and a Mira Costa grad. After making the connection, Culture Brewing decided that 100% of ticket sales from this event would go directly to Mira Costa’s ceramics program.
"We’re thrilled to raise money to help support creative expression in our community," said Oelschlager.
