Suds, Sunshine & Green Chile!

Much in the same way that Easterners equate the smell of pressed apples with the coming of fall, Southwesterners know it’s autumn by the smell of roasting green chiles, usually the Hatch variety from New Mexico, but sometimes Big Jims, which are commonly grown around Grand Junction. The Fifth annual Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic will offer up more than $600 in prize money and some pretty sweet trophies and bragging rights, this event will be slightly different than a typical chile cook-off because it ONLY features green chile, a dish that is ubiquitous in our region but not as well-known outside of New Mexico and southern Colorado.

The 5^th Annual Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic

Patty, who passed away 12 years ago, was locally famous for her green chile, often served on burgers and fries at Al’s Café, a restaurant she ran and owned with her family and  husband, Ross. When they closed their doors in 1992, it was the end of an era for many Pagosans. Several local restaurants have kept the green chile tradition alive and well here in town, along with legions of home cooks who continually strive for the “perfect” green chile recipe. Some people prefer scorching hot chile, others like it mild; some cooks use chicken, others use pork or no meat at all. No matter how you make your green chile, you’ll have a chance to show your stuff in August and possibly win some cash or a trophy and the undying admiration of local green chile aficionados.

The Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic will be held at the Mountain Chile Cha Cha on Saturday, August 25, 2012. We will also have Hatch Green Chile Roasting By Hey Bro Green Chile.

It only costs, $5 to enter your green chile! Download form here.

More information and complete rules will be available in the next month, but for now save the date. We are currently seeking qualified judges. If you feel that you have what it takes to judge Pagosa’s best green chile, please drop an email to jacque@adworkspagosasprings.com or send a brief letter detailing your qualifications and green chile experience to Jacque Aragon at AdWorks, Box 5005 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Or call Jacque Aragon at 970264-4237.

For more information about the trail race, and music, please visit www.joingecko.org.

The Patty Aragon Green Chile Classic is proudly sponsored by:
The Pagosa Springs Dining Guide • Pagosa.com • Farrago Market & Cafe • Healing Waters Spa • The Springs Resort & Spa