SUN Staff Report
A brush fire that broke out Friday night threatened to cancel the Española Valley Chamber of Commerce Chile Bowl Cook-Off scheduled at the Santa Claran Casino Hotel.
Evacuations were ordered Friday night from the casino to West Pueblo Drive, but had been lifted by Saturday morning, just in time for participants to show off their hottest and tastiest creations.
The public was invited to the tasting event and helped choose the winners.
Red Chile
First Place — Josie Valdez
Green Chile
First Place — Zia Credit Union
Salsa
First Place — Northern New Mexico Fire Salsa, David Salazar
Public’s Choice Salsa
First Place — Northern New Mexico Fire Salsa, David Salazar
Second Place — Alejandro Archuleta
Third Place — Las Cumbres/Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Public’s Choice Red Chile
First Place — The Salazar Family, Jason and Sophia Salazar
Second Place — Ohkay Casino
Third Place — Josie Valdez
Public’s Choice Green Chile
First Place — Bubble Zone
Second Place — The Salazar Family, Jason and Sophia Salazar
Third Place — CASA First, Court Appointed Special Advocates
The event was hosted by the Española Valley Chamber of Commerce in honor of Suzan Roybal and the San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen, recognizing 20 years of tradition, community and service through the Chile Cook-Off.
Sponsors included the Santa Claran Hotel Casino, Blue Bus, Regional Development Corporation and Century Bank.