Chef Profile #8 introduces The Perch, which exists as a community driven creative platform for social exchange. Matt Austin founded The Perch in 2012 and works closely with a group of dedicated volunteers. Long-time Perch volunteer, Jonathan Pivovar, took a moment to answer a few questions leading up to this year’s Hashbrown Chili Cook-off.

Spudnik Press Cooperative (SPC): What is The Perch?

The Perch: We exist as a creative platform for free learning through the process of connecting a variety of people to share and hear one another’s ideas and stories. We demonstrate this mission in the form of book publishing, symposium dinners, and public educational programming.

SPC: What are three food-related adjectives you would use to describe your organization?

The Perch: Earthy, sweet and hearty.

SPC: In what ways does your chili embody your organization?

The Perch: Our chili is robust like our mission, tough like our workers, piping-hot like our presence, experienced and well-educated.

SPC: What is your favorite place in the city to enjoy a hot bowl of soup?

The Perch: Anywhere in Chicago is a great place to enjoy a piping-hot bowl of soup– though we’re partial to Pilsen.

SPC: If you could invite anyone, past or present, to chat over a bowl of chili, who would you choose?

The Perch: Beyonce.

SPC: Do you have words of warning for fellow contestants?

The Perch: Just that I hope that they rested and ready, because our chili is known to be nap-worthy while demanding your full attention.

SPC: If you have competed before, what keeps you coming back?

The Perch: Noooooo! We will be back though, I guarantee it.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2015 HASHBROWN CHILI COOK-OFF