Official GastroMob event

OCTOBER 17, 2026 · RECAP & RESULTS

CHILI COOKOFF: THE RECAP.

The October 17 Chili Cookoff at Banana Tree Cafe has wrapped up. This page stays put for the results, memories, and the people who made it happen.

THE RESULTS

Winners, the donation total, and photos from the day haven’t been posted here yet. Check the organizer updates for the latest.

Organizer updates →

THE GATHERING

CHILI COOKOFF
AT BANANA TREE CAFE.

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026
3–8 PM Eastern
Where: Banana Tree Cafe
107 Beeson St., Dowagiac, MI 49047
Admission: Free to the public. Free chili samples.
The cause: Robert L. Miller Sr. Veterans Center
South Bend, Indiana

Taste chili from local cooks and vote with your dollars. 100% of voting dollars benefit the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veterans Center.

Facebook event →

Add to calendar

Google Calendar Outlook.com Apple / other calendar (.ics)

Saved copies don’t update automatically. Check GastroMob for changes.

Chili Cookoff, Saturday October 17, 2026, 3–8 PM at Banana Tree Cafe in Dowagiac. Free to the public; vote with dollars to benefit the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veterans Center. — Original event poster ↗

Your Event Table

All members and invited guests are welcome. Join, invite a friend, or share the link.

Loading your event…

Stories from the table

Loading stories…

A pot of chili topped with peppers and crushed corn chips

FOOD IS THE EXCUSE. COMMUNITY IS THE POINT.

A LITTLE HEAT.
A LOT OF HEART.

We like a good argument about beans. We like getting people together even more.

This cookoff puts local cooks, neighbors, and a cause worth showing up for in the same room. That’s the GastroMob idea: food gets us to the table. The people make it matter.

OUR HOST · DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN

THE BANANA TREE CAFE

A local place to gather, pass the chili, and meet the person in the next chair.

107 Beeson St., Dowagiac, MI 49047

Meet Banana Tree Cafe on GastroMob →

A spoonful of chili with cheese, onion, and sour cream — Bring your very strong chili opinions.

A bowl of chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, and peppers — Leave room for another spoonful.

Menu & saved dishes · The Banana Tree Cafe

The Banana Tree Cafe menu

Updated October 13, 2026

Shared by the GastroMob community. Prices and availability can change. Share a menu update

Save dishes anytime. My saved dishes

COFFEE MENU8

Fresh Brewed Coffee: 12 oz $3 16 oz $4 20 oz $5; Drinks
House-Made Cold Brew: 12 oz $5 16 oz $6 20 oz $7; Drinks
Latte or Cappuccino: 12 oz $5 16 oz $6 20 oz $7; Drinks
Iced Latte: 20 oz only $8; Drinks
Caramel Macchiato: 12 oz $6 16 oz $7 20 oz $8; Drinks
Espresso: Drinks
Almond or Oat Milk: +$1; Drinks
Add Any Flavor: +$1 per shot; Choices & additions
Flavors: Banana, Toasted Marshmallow, Chai Spice, Pumpkin Pie, Cheesecake, Blueberry, Caramel, Butter Pecan, Coconut, Almond, Chocolate Mint, Pure Cane Syrup, Blackberry, Irish Cream, Hazelnut, Lavender, Vanilla. Sugar-Free Flavors: Mocha, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate, Mango, Cookie Butter, Caramel, Cinnamon Bun, Cherry, Caramel Apple, Blue Raspberry, Banana Nut, Pineapple, Glazed Donut, Peach, Passion Fruit, White Chocolate.; Drinks

SMASH BURGERS10

Hamburger: $11.00; Served with French fries.; LunchBurgers
Cheeseburger: $12.00; Served with French fries.; LunchBurgers
Bacon Cheeseburger: $14.00; Served with French fries.; LunchBurgersPork
Mushroom & Swiss Burger: $14.00; Served with French fries.; LunchBurgers
Olive Burger: $13.00; Served with French fries. Add cheese for additional cost.; LunchBurgers
Patty Melt: $14.00; Grilled onions, American and Swiss cheese on grilled rye.; LunchBurgers
Add Thousand Island dressing: $0.50; Sides
Double Burger: $19.00; Double burger, double cheese and double bacon.; LunchBurgersPork
Extra burger patty: $3.50; Sides
Add lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and mayo: $1.00; Sides

SANDWICHES8

Grilled Cheese: $8.50; Served with French fries.; LunchSandwiches
Grilled Ham & Cheese: $10.00; Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesPork
Turkey or Ham BLT: $12.00; Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesPork
Ham & Turkey BLT: $13.50; Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesPork
Grilled Chicken Breast: $14.00; Toasted bun, choice of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesChicken
Reuben: $15.00; Grilled corned beef, Swiss, sauerkraut and Thousand Island on toasted pumpernickel. Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesBeef
Monte Cristo: $14.00; Ham, turkey and Swiss on Texas toast, dipped in French toast batter, grilled, dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves. Served with French fries.; LunchSandwichesPork
Add a cup of soup or salad to any burger or sandwich: $1.50; Sides

SALADS OR WRAPS5

Chef: $13.00; Turkey, ham, American and Swiss cheese. Choose plain or spinach wrap. Served with a cup of soup or fresh fruit. Salads include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers, with your choice of dressing. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese or Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; Choices & additions
Choice of wrap: plain or spinach. Served with cup of soup or fresh fruit. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar, feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese, Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; LunchSalads
Grilled Chicken Breast with choice of cheese: $15.00; Choose plain or spinach wrap. Served with a cup of soup or fresh fruit. Salads include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers, with your choice of dressing. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese or Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; Choices & additions
Choice of wrap: plain or spinach. Served with cup of soup or fresh fruit. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar, feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese, Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; LunchSaladsChicken
*Steak - filet mignon with choice of cheese; topped with French fries: $24.00; Choose a plain or spinach wrap. Served with a cup of soup or fresh fruit. Salads include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers, with your choice of dressing. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese or Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; Choices & additions
Choice of wrap: plain or spinach. Served with cup of soup or fresh fruit. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar, feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese, Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; LunchSaladsBeef
AHI: $16.00; Choose plain or spinach wrap. Served with a cup of soup or fresh fruit. Salads include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers, with your choice of dressing. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese or Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; Choices & additions
Choice of wrap: plain or spinach. Served with cup of soup or fresh fruit. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar, feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese, Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; LunchSaladsSeafood
Green Salad with choice of cheese: $11.00; Choose plain or spinach wrap. Served with a cup of soup or fresh fruit. Salads include fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, onions and peppers, with your choice of dressing. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese or Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; Choices & additions
Choice of wrap: plain or spinach. Served with cup of soup or fresh fruit. Cheese choices: American, Swiss, cheddar, feta (goat cheese). Dressings: Ranch, French, Italian, Thousand Island, blue cheese, Caesar. Ask about additional flavors.; LunchSalads

KIDS STUFF - 12 & UNDER6

Hot Dog & French Fries: $6.00; Lunch
Hamburger & French Fries: $7.50; LunchBurgers
Cheeseburger & French Fries: $8.75; LunchBurgers
Grilled Cheese & French Fries: $6.00; LunchSandwiches
2 Chicken Strips & French Fries: $8.50; LunchChicken
PB&J Banana Sandwich: $8.00; Texas toast dipped in French toast batter, grilled, sprinkled with powdered sugar and served with a small glass of milk. Choice of grape or strawberry jelly.; Choices & additions
Choice of grape or strawberry jelly.; LunchSandwiches

Pies20

Apple Pie: Dessert
Banana Pie: DessertFruit
Blackberry Pie: Dessert
Blueberry Pie: Dessert
Caramel Apple Pie: Dessert
Cherry Pie: Dessert
Chocolate Pie: Dessert
Coconut Pie: Dessert
Custard Pie: Dessert
Dutch Apple Pie: Dessert
Dutch Triple Berry Pie: Dessert
Peach Pie: Dessert
Peanut Butter Pie: Dessert
Pecan Pie: Dessert
Pineapple Pie: Dessert
Pumpkin Pie: Dessert
Raisin Pie: Dessert
Raspberry Pie: Dessert
Strawberry Pie: Cold or baked.; Dessert
Sweet Potato Pie: Dessert

Cookies10

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Dessert
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies: Breakfast
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies: Dessert
Chunky Peanut Butter Cookies: Dessert
Christmas Cutout Frosted Cookies: Dessert
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Breakfast
Peanut Butter Cookies: Dessert
Snickerdoodle Cookies: Dessert
Sugar Cookies: Dessert
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies: Dessert

Fudge21

Banana Cream Fudge: DessertFruit
Banana Peanut Butter Fudge: DessertFruit
Banana Split Fudge: DessertFruit
Caramel Apple Fudge: Dessert
Chocolate Fudge: Dessert
Chocolate Banana Walnut Fudge: DessertFruit
Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge: Dessert
Chocolate Walnut Fudge: Dessert
Cinnamon Bun Fudge: Dessert
Cookies & Cream Fudge: Dessert
Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Fudge: Dessert
Maple Walnut Fudge: Dessert
Marshmallow Fudge: Dessert
Mocha Fudge: Dessert
Peanut Butter Fudge: Dessert
Peppermint Bark Fudge: Dessert
Pumpkin Spice Fudge: Dessert
Rocky Road Fudge: Dessert
Salted Caramel Latte Fudge: Dessert
Vanilla Fudge: Dessert
White Chocolate Espresso Fudge: Dessert

Chocolate Candy21

Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars: Dessert
Chocolate Caramel Coffee Clusters: Dessert
Chocolate Coconut Bars: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Almonds: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Cherries: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Peanuts: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Pecans: Dessert
Chocolate Covered Strawberries: DessertFruit
Chocolate Fruit and Nut Bar: DessertFruit
Chocolate Peanut Caramel Clusters: Dessert
Chocolate Peanut Marshmallow Clusters: Dessert
Chocolate Pecan Caramel Clusters: Dessert
Chocolate Praline Pecans: Dessert
Haystacks: Dessert
Macadamia Nut Coconut Chocolate Clusters: Dessert
Malted Milk Balls: Dessert
Peanut Butter Cups: Dessert
Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats with Chocolate Chips, Covered in Chocolate: Dessert
Raisin Clusters: Dessert
Rice Krispies Treats: Dessert

Breakfast Specials4

One Biscuit & Gravy, One Egg, & Potatoes: $9.00; BreakfastBiscuits & gravyEggs
Filet Mignon, 2 Eggs, Potatoes, Toast, & 12oz Coffee: $27.00; BreakfastEggs
1 Piece of French Toast, Bacon, and 12oz Coffee: $9.00; BreakfastPorkFrench toast
Strawberry n Cream, Blueberry n Cream, or Pineapple n Cream Pancakes: $11.50; Fruit and cream stuffed between 2 pancakes, topped with sweet cream and fruit topping, finished with whip topping. Add bacon, ham or sausage $3.; BreakfastPancakesFruit

Breakfast Specials4

1 Piece of French Toast, 1 Egg & 2 Bacon: $8.50; BreakfastPorkFrench toastEggs
Breakfast Smashburger Bagel: $16.50; Smashburger with an egg, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo on a toasted bagel. Served with special breakfast potatoes.; BreakfastPorkEggs
Western Omelette: $14.00; Ham, cheddar, onions and peppers. Served with special breakfast potatoes and choice of toast.; BreakfastPorkOmelets
1 Pancake, 1 Egg, 2 Links: $7.50; BreakfastPancakesEggs

BREAKFAST FAVORITES5

Homemade Sausage Gravy & Biscuits: $7.75 | 1 biscuit $6 Add potatoes $2 | *1 egg $1.50 | *2 eggs $2.25; 2 biscuits; Breakfast
Classic Breakfast: $8 | $10; *2 eggs, potatoes and toast Add bacon, sausage links or patties, or ham; BreakfastEggs
*Filet Mignon Breakfast: $26.00; filet mignon, *2 eggs, potatoes and toast; BreakfastEggs
Pork Chop Breakfast: $13.00; pork chop, *2 eggs, potatoes and toast; BreakfastPorkEggs
Homemade Corned Beef Hash Patty: $13.00; *2 eggs, potatoes and toast; BreakfastBeefEggs

OMELETS7

Cheese: $9.00; Served with potatoes and toast.; BreakfastOmelets
Meat & Cheese: $12.00; BreakfastOmelets
Meat, Cheese & 3 Veggies: $15.00; BreakfastOmelets
Cheese & 5 Veggies: $14.00; BreakfastOmelets
3 Meats & Cheese: $15.00; BreakfastOmelets
Corned Beef Hash & Cheese: $14.00; BreakfastBeefOmelets
Meats: bacon, sausage or ham: Cheeses: American, Swiss, cheddar or feta (goat cheese) Veggies: onion, peppers, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, jalapenos, black olives or garlic Add extra meat $2 | extra cheese $1.50 | extra veggies $0.80 each; BreakfastPorkVegetablesOmelets

FROM THE GRIDDLE5

3 Pancakes: $7.50 | add bacon, sausage or ham $9.50; BreakfastPancakes
Single Pancake: $3.50; BreakfastPancakes
French Toast: $8 | add bacon, sausage or ham $10; 2 pieces of Texas toast dipped in our special batter; BreakfastFrench toast
Single French Toast: $4.75; BreakfastFrench toast
Belgian Waffle: $8.25 | add bacon, sausage or ham $10.25; Served with syrup and butter. Authentic maple syrup +$1 Add fruit, chocolate chips or nuts +$2 | fruit topping +$2; BreakfastWaffles