Bribes flowed shamelessly at Saturday's chili cook-off, but whether the massages, donations or sundry other offerings swayed judges remains a mystery.

"There were some really inventive bribes," laughed Mary Clark, a member of the planning committee that organized the culinary cook-off.

The event, a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of White Rock Millennium, was held as part of the Business Improvement Association's Summersault Street Fair.

It invited chili enthusiasts to whip up their best and be judged by 'celebrity' critics and the public.

Six teams put their best beans forward, concocting dishes that put even the most seasoned taste buds to the test.

Rand Barker, who was also on the organizing committee, said he likes "a nice flavourful chili that doesn't bite me."

The dish presented by Clancy's Fine Meats, which took the People's Choice title, came close, he said.

"The buffalo chili was on the edge, but it was delicious."

The four other contenders were Women with Attitude, Cookin' Caregivers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Frond's Bistro and White Rock RCMP Community Police.

The judges – after careful consideration of each team's presentation and a blind taste test – awarded the Frond's Bistro entry top marks.

Clark noted the judges' decision was not easy, with the top three finishers all within one or two points of each other.

The public also took their vote seriously. Each paid $5 for a chance to sample each of the dishes and cast their ballot. Many expressed difficulty deciding on a clear winner.

Fundraising totals from the event have not been calculated – the club was hoping for about $2,000 – but both Clark and Barker agreed the day was a success regardless and predicted the club would stage it again next year.

"What we had hoped to do was just have a successful event... get it under our belt and take that one step that will lead to bigger steps, better steps, next year," Barker said.