WHY I'M A CHILE SNOB: New Mexico Chile, red or green? Where to eat in Hatch, La Mesa, & Old Mesilla.

I'll admit it, I'm a chile snob. When you grow up in New Mexico, eating Hatch green chile, you can't help it. You only want the best. And New Mexico is where you'll find it. God smiled on this land. The combination of the climate, the altitude, and the soil, make Hatch chile, in particular, the most flavorful anywhere. And since it's peak harvest season, I thought I'd take you along as I pick up some green chile that we'll roast, peel, and freeze to last me through the year. While I'm at it, I share a few things you should know about chile. See how it's grown, how we spell it with an "e" and how we even have a state question: Red or green? If you're ever in New Mexico, I also point out a few of my favorite places to eat chile. You can't go wrong with any of these eateries that have stood the test of time.

Chope's Bar & Cafe in my hometown of La Mesa has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years! They're even on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to try their famous chile rellenos.
16145 NM-28, La Mesa, NM 88044
(575) 233-3420

La Posta de Mesilla, just outside of Las Cruces, has been serving up the best local cuisine since 1939! It's a Registered National Historic Landmark in the heart of beautiful Old Mesilla. Order their enchiladas "Christmas style," which means both red & green chile. And, be sure to save room for sopaipillas served hot with honey.
2410 Calle de San Albino, Mesilla, NM 88046
(575) 524-3524

Blake's Lotaburger is a franchise you can find anywhere in the state. It is to New Mexico what In-n-Out is to California. Just order your cheeseburger "New Mexico style" and they'll load it up with fresh Hatch green chile.

And you can't miss the ever colorful Sparky's in the heart of Hatch. Just look for a giant Uncle Sam holding a green chile! They've become a roadside favorite for their green chile cheeseburgers smothered in roasted Hatch chile. Just keep in mind it's Take-Out only.
115 Franklin St, Hatch, NM 87937
(575) 267-4222

Everything in New Mexico, from the billboards to the license plates, points to our love for chile. It's in our blood and, I suppose, that's Why I'm a Chile Snob.

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