The winning chili and chili dogs at the Puerto Vallarta Chili Cookoff come from Detroit-native Karl Grigg’s Uncle Daddy’s restaurant. The recipe is a product of his grandma. (Photo Courtesy, Patty Williams)
Michigander Karl Grigg’s Detroit-inspired chili took top prize at the 2026 Puerto Vallarta Chili Cookoff, with Uncle Daddy’s comfort street food winning both the “Peoples Choice” and “Best New Restaurant” categories.
His grandma’s recipe brought a taste of the Midwest to Mexico, and the crowd was hooked from the first bite.
“I was a little nervous going into the competition,” said Griggs, who opened Uncle Daddy’s last fall in Puerto Vallarta using Midwestern flavors. “I know they take this very seriously.”
Detroit-native Karl Griggs holding the top prize after winning the Puerto Vallarta Chili Cookoff. (Photo Courtesy, Patty Williams)
Uncle Daddy’s restaurant, named after the owner’s inspiring uncle, brought home the trophy and bragging rights. The winning chili and chili dogs are now a staple on the menu.
WKTV Contributor Patty Williams enjoys some samples at the Puerto Vallarta Chili Cookoff. (Photo Courtesy, Patty Williams)
By Cris Greer WKTV Managing Editor greer@wktv.org AND Patty Williams WKTV Contributor
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed firsthand the upheaval after the Mexican government killed “El Mencho” Sunday in Puerto Vallarta, and was forced to flee to a safer area.
In the city where she has spent every winter over the past several years, Williams was right in the middle of the unrest during the past couple days watching from her balcony and then escaping to a safer place.
It all began shortly after the government killed El Mencho (Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes) on Sunday, Feb. 22. El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Williams’ describes her harrowing experience below: “I witnessed the devastating aftermath of cartel retaliation in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town on Sunday, February 22. At approximately 9 a.m., as I stepped onto my balcony, I was met with the smell of smoke and the sight of cars and trucks ablaze. Initially, I thought it might have been an accident, but it quickly became apparent that this was a deliberate act.”
“Grabbing my passport, some cash, and essentials, I fled my home, joining a guest from Michigan, Daniel Johnson, in seeking refuge at the nearby Rio Cuale Park. We found solace among others who had also sought safety there.”
Williams said she injured her knee while fleeing the situation and is having a hard time walking. For now, she is anxiously waiting for the situation to return to normal.
Check out this exclusive slideshow by WKTV Contributor Patty Williams:
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
From her rental home in Puerto Vallarta, WKTV Contributor Patty Williams witnessed the upheaval after Cartel leader El Mencho was killed by the Mexican government on Sunday. (Courtesy Patty Williams/WKTV Contributor)
