Spudnik Press continues to gear up for our annual Hashbrown Chili Cook-Off. Today we introduce CAKE, 2015 Hashbrown Champion. CAKE returns to the competition with full intentions to again take home the Golden Ladle!
Organization: Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE)
Guest Chef: Jeff Zwirek, Co-Founder and a Co-Organizer
Spudnik Press Cooperative (SPC): What is CAKE?
Jeff: CAKE is a weekend long celebration of independent comics inspired by Chicago’s abundant past and present of talented cartoonists, featuring comics for sale, discussion, exhibition, and a growing number of services for emerging comic artists, including workshops and a micro grant.
For people aren’t familiar with CAKE or the world of alternative comics, can you give us the inside scoop?
Jeff: Alternative comics is a very diverse medium, there is something for everybody with stories and styles with all different appeals. At CAKE you can meet and talk to the artists who commit so much time an energy to their passion. It’s a chance to support the arts in your community and be exposed to other like minded artists from all over the world. Cake also always has an incredible line-up of well renowned cartoonists as special guests. It’s a shame we can’t cram more lovely people into our venue.
SPC: If you were tasked with creating a tagline for CAKE and your chili, what would it be?
Jeff: Intense and bold, you won’t soon forget this experience!
SPC: If your organization had a spirit animal, what would it be?
Jeff: A raven. Inky black and dangerously clever.
SPC: Do you have a favorite recipe you are willing to share?
Jeff: Every so often my dad would make us peanut butter and jelly instead of mom. He would put some margarine on the bread first. He also cut it in triangles instead of squares. It was like a whole different beast!
SPC: Can we leak any details about what our guests can expect to find in your crockpot on March 19?
Jeff: CAKE spares no expense! The last couple of years we’ve done a short rib chili that has come in first and second. We may switch things up a little but be sure that CAKE brings the goods!
Jeff’s Favorites:
Favorite Chef: Rick Bayless’ blonde mustache creeps me out and mesmerizes me at the same time.
Best soup you’ve ever had: I don’t care for soup. I always feel like I’m sick when I’m eating it.
Favorite Type of Bean: Black beans can’t be beat.
Best Cooking Show: America’s Test Kitchen