Chilli Fest 2021

Overview

There's one surefire way to keep those autumn shivers at bay, and that's a hefty dose of chilli. Or, in this case, a whole month of it thanks to two Sydney bars — Cronulla institution Northies and Mona Vale's Park House — which are teaming up with local brewery Young Henrys and spiced whisky brand Fireball to celebrate the spicy peppers in all their glory.

First up, Northies will see its third iteration of the fiery fest, complete with spicy eats and tongue-tingling drinks. The kitchen is fuelling the burn with a chilli-charged special menu, featuring dishes like jalapeño poppers, TNT pizza and Fireball-glazed chicken wings. There'll also be a 'death wagon' rolling around the bar stocked with 50 hot sauces, which you can add to any dish.

Meanwhile, the bar is coming to the party with some spicy treats of its own. Get cosy with a chilli-choc espresso martini or a heavily Tabasco-loaded bloody mary. Or, cool things down a little with a Young Henrys chelada of lime and habanero chillis topped with Young Henrys Natural Lager. To signify the fest's two sponsors, it's also letting you add a shot of Fireball for just $5 when you order any Young Henrys beer.

Naturally, Northies will play host to chilli eating competitions, which will go down every Sunday arvo throughout the month. Expect to start off on the milder side as you work your way up to a carolina reaper. Sign up to compete in the competition here. Or, you can watch from a safe distance with tastebuds still intact.

Over at Park House's chilli celebrations, there'll just be the one chilli chewing comp, taking place from 2pm on March 27 (sign up here).  But, you can still expect a heap of chilli-loaded food and drink specials over the month — think chipotle cheeseburgers and chilli wings paired with burny bevvies like the spicy twist on a classic margarita, the Death by Marg.

Head to Northies and Park House's respective websites for the full rundown.