Pechanga event will offer gourmet chili and craft brews to benefit Habitat for Humanity

Visitors to Pechanga Resort & Casino will be able to sample gourmet chili and choose from a selection of hundreds of beers during an event to benefit Habitat for Humanity's Inland Valley Chapter.

The 10th annual Pechanga Microbrew Fest & Chili Cookoff will be taking place Saturday afternoon, June 9, in Pechanga's brand-new Summit Event Center, where event guests will be treated to limitless bites of eight varieties of chili, which will be cooked up by Pechanga's award-winning chefs, as well as unlimited samples of beers from Southern California and across the country.

Some of the breweries in attendance will include Wiens Brewing, Belching Beaver Brewery, Ballast Point, The Mason Jar Brewing, Saint Archer and Lagunitas.

The event won't just tantalize taste buds but will provide entertainment as well. Live music from Stray Cats' Lee Rocker and Safety Orange will entertain, as well as a silent auction with such prizes as getaway stays, sports memorabilia, fine wine and beer gift baskets.

The benefit will have a competitive aspect too, with Pechanga's chefs vying for the title of best chili maker. Last year's winner was Chef Kiyo Ikeda of Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, with his sake-glazed Kobe beef chili.

"It's my favorite event of the year," Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley director Tammy Marine said. "It's just so beautifully done, and it's in the brand-new section of Pechanga, so it's just a treat being in the facility. The various vendors they have, along with the chili tasting and live entertainment, are just second to none in my opinion."

Since the inception of the event, proceeds have gone to Habitat for Humanity's Inland Valley chapter to support various programs. Those include homebuilding, financial wellness workshops, neighborhood revitalization and home improvements for veterans.

A number of different ticket packages are available for guests. General admission tickets are $50 and allow guests unlimited samples of chili and a two-ounce souvenir glass for unlimited beer tastings between the hours of 1-5 p.m.

For a more intimate experience, guests can purchase VIP festival tickets for $65. The VIP option allows ticket holders to start sampling beer and chili at noon instead of waiting until the 1 p.m. start time for general admission.

Designated driver general admission tickets are available for $30 and designated driver VIP tickets are available for $40.

The event is for adults 21 and older only. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting http://www.Pechanga.com or calling (888) 810-8871.