We start out this story with a hearty bowl of ‘Thanks’ to our fellow bbq Judge Aaron for telling us about Chili Joe’s in Petaluma California. Chili Joe’s is a small six table restaurant that specializes in house made chili. Ms. Goofy and I are certified chili judges but never actually get the opportunity to judge sanctioned contests. We love a bowl of red and were excited to give this establishment a try. They have been open less than a year and if it was not for the heads up by Aaron we would have not discovered this place. Parking Karma was in full force evident by the Racing Honda parked right in front. This may be a good omen.
Inside is a very small xix table room with a small counter to place your order. A red flag immediately flew with little post up notes proclaiming the chili con-carne was sold out. We asked the clerk why and she replied; it is popular and certain ingredients are not local and they were waiting on deliveries. There were plenty of other choices on the menu and placed our order. Luckily a table broke right as we placed our order.
Our meal was delivered promptly. Even though the signature chili’s were not available, the house and “Green-Go Chili Verde was available. Green-Go Chili Verde; Succulent chili-grind pork shoulder, skillet seared and simmered with poblano & Hatch Chile peppers, tomatillo, pinto beans onion, garlic, fresh herbs and roasted spices. Topped with Petaluma Creamery jack, sweet white & green onions, crema fresca, fresh jalapeno and cilantro. This was a bowl of green chili to die for. It was mild but so flavorful with green chili love. The balance of spice and fresh green chili flavor was everything that makes chili so addicting. I may order a large bowl instead of a cup next time. The menu says a bowl comes with organic corn street tortillas.
Ms. Goofy had Frito pie with the “La Street Chili’ that was very good because she cleaned her plate not leaving any Frito chips for me to finish. This too was a mild chili with beans that we found out later can be customized with added heat. In fact, I quote; “Extra spice and/or extra red chili-grease on request” (Chili Grease?). The combination of heartwarming chili with salty Frito chips cannot be beat.
I had a “New Mexijoe” burger; Char-broiled beef patty with flame roasted Hatch and poblano peppers Petaluma Creamery jack cheese , flame charred sweet white onion slab and green onion-garlic mayoli on a toasted potato bun. This was a juicy burger that satisfied. The roasted hatch and poblano was mild addition that added texture and green pepper goodness. The cheese was ooey and gooey to make this a very good menu choice. I do wish the Hatch pepper had a little more heat. Ms.Goofy had a cheeseburger and was not as enamored as myself.
A side of CJ’s cornbread had to be ordered. This was called Santa Fe style with sliced jalapenos and red peppers. This came with orange/honey butter studded with sweet peppers. How can you resist warm cornbread and sweet flavored butter. I really enjoyed it.
We definitely have a virtual reservation to return to try the signature chili’s. The menu also has other chili influenced items to be explored Chili Joe’s is a small establishment and I am afraid this could be a detriment with possibly becoming too popular.. Hopefully they can work out the ingredient supply situation because the chili we tried was fantastic. One can only imagine how great the signature chili’s could be. We love a good ‘Bowl of Red” (or green) and look forward to our return. Thankyou Aaron.
312 Petaluma Blvd S,
Petaluma, CA 94952
6 comments:
Happy to be of service- thanks for the advance scouting report, sounds great! Glad you enjoyed it.
Aaron, Thanks for the solid.
I drive that way all the time and have never noticed it. Will check it out!
Greg, Maybe we will see you there.
Sounds good - and my cousin Jan lives in Petaluma! We'll have lunch!
Zoomie, Look for Greg, he might be sitting right next to you.
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