After a short winter hiatus, The Morningstar Bistro opens it's doors today at 10 am. Owner Myriam Friedman says during the break she was able to spruce up the restaurant, refinishing the floors and give it an early, deep Spring Cleaning.

"We enjoyed the break. It was the first time we'd taken some time off in the winter," Mryiam told Schroon Laker today. All of the restuarant's yummy crepes, soups and sandwhiches are back, and Myriam says she plans on expanding the menu with occassional specials this year.

One of the new items rolls out this week: a smoke salmon crepe, served with smoked salmon, cream cheese and capers.

'I got the inspiration when I had something similair. I liked it it, so I decidd to give it a try here.

The Morningstar Bistro, 1079 Main Street, Schroon Lake, 12870. 518 532 0707

Picture: The chefs of the 2012 Great Schroon Lake Chili Cook Off

By any measure, the first ever Schroon Laker Chili Cook Off was a huge success. The incredible offerings from the home cooks and area restaurants were simply delicious. But the best part was the incredible amount of money raised to help support the Schroon Lake EMS Squad: $550!

And a huge congrats goes to organizer and local restaurantuer Shelby Davis. By her sheer tenacity and will power to make this event the success it was, the EMS squad and the community at large were able to benefit. Time and again, the folks of Schroon and surrounding towns have come out, dug deep into their pockets, to help local charities, organizations and families in need.

Shelby -- and her partner Chris Palmatier (from Mr P's Mountain Smokehouse and Shelby's Kitchen Therapy), have been here a little over 8 months. Yet they have whole heartedly embraced their new community and given back to it in spades. They are not alone. Many of our restaurants, other businesses and residents -- without hestitation -- are always there to step up to the plate and help out. We salute you all.

Here is a full list of all of the winners and runners up:

Best Meaty Chili

1st Place Trophy – Witherbee’s Carriage House, Witherbee’s Buckboard Chili
2nd Place TIE – Paradox General Store and Cafe, Paradox Beef Chili and Paradox Turkey Chili
3rd Place – Linda Gomes, Nat’cho Grandma’s Chili

Best Veggie Chili

1st Place Trophy – Witherbee’s Carriage House, Carriage House Vegetarian Chili
2nd Place - Fred Pospisil, Winter Trekkin Vegetarian Chili

People’s Choice Award

1st Place Trophy – Ruthie Peterson, Hot Stuff 21
2nd Place – Mr. P’s Mountain Smokehouse, Mr. P’s Award Winning Chili
3rd Place – Beth Buell, Nat’cho Grandpa’s Chili