New Mexico offers a diverse culinary landscape, with unique dining experiences that go beyond typical restaurant fare. Among these are food challenges that test the appetites and determination of adventurous eaters. These challenges present an opportunity for diners to engage with local cuisine in a fun and competitive way.
Several restaurants across New Mexico feature eating challenges where participants can win free meals if they succeed. These challenges often involve consuming large portions of regional specialties within a set time limit. From spicy dishes that showcase the state’s famous chile peppers to massive burgers and steaks, these food challenges highlight the bold flavors and hearty portions that characterize New Mexican cuisine.
1) The Burritozilla Challenge
The Burritozilla Challenge is a formidable food challenge that tests the eating prowess of participants. This challenge involves consuming a massive 5-pound burrito within a 60-minute time limit.
The burrito is a colossal creation, stuffed with an array of ingredients. It typically contains rice, beans, meat, salsa, and guacamole, all wrapped in three large tortillas.
Several competitive eaters have taken on the Burritozilla Challenge. Notable participants include Matt Stonie and Joey Chestnut, both of whom completed the challenge in under three minutes.
The challenge is not for the faint of heart. It requires a combination of speed, strategy, and stomach capacity to successfully conquer the enormous burrito within the allotted time.
Those who successfully complete the Burritozilla Challenge often receive recognition for their feat. Some establishments may offer the meal for free to those who manage to finish it within the time limit.
This challenge has gained popularity among food challenge enthusiasts and has become a notable attraction for those seeking extreme eating experiences in New Mexico.
2) Ol’ 96er Steak Challenge
The Ol’ 96er Steak Challenge is a formidable food challenge that has gained notoriety among competitive eaters and food enthusiasts. This challenge typically involves consuming a massive 96-ounce (6-pound) steak within a specified time limit.
Participants must finish the entire steak, often accompanied by side dishes, to successfully complete the challenge. The sheer size of the steak makes this a daunting task for even the most experienced eaters.
While not exclusive to New Mexico, variations of this challenge can be found in steakhouses and restaurants across the United States. The name “Ol’ 96er” is a reference to the weight of the steak in ounces.
Successful completion of the Ol’ 96er Challenge often comes with rewards such as a free meal, a spot on the restaurant’s wall of fame, or branded merchandise. The challenge attracts both serious competitive eaters and adventurous diners looking to test their limits.
Restaurants may impose additional rules, such as finishing all side dishes or completing the meal without leaving the table. The time limit for the challenge can vary between establishments, typically ranging from 1 to 2 hours.
3) Famous Owl Cafe Green Chile Burger
The Owl Cafe’s green chile cheeseburger is a legendary New Mexico food challenge. Located in San Antonio, New Mexico, this family-run establishment has been serving its iconic burger since the 1940s.
The Owl Cafe’s burger has gained national recognition, appearing on numerous “best burger” lists across New Mexico and the United States. Its popularity has even earned it a spot on the New Mexico Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail.
What sets this burger apart is its perfect balance of flavors. The patty is topped with melted cheese and a generous helping of spicy green chile, creating a combination that epitomizes New Mexican cuisine.
The Owl Cafe has expanded to include a location in Albuquerque, but many locals insist that the original San Antonio spot serves the best version. Some even consider it the ultimate green chile cheeseburger in the state.
For those seeking an authentic New Mexican food challenge, tackling the Owl Cafe’s famous green chile burger is a must. Its reputation and long-standing history make it a true test for any burger enthusiast.
4) Dog House Drive-In Foot-Long Chile Cheese Dog
The Dog House Drive-In in Albuquerque, New Mexico offers a legendary foot-long chile cheese dog that has become a local food challenge. This iconic eatery has been serving up hot dogs since 1948 and is now a beloved stop along historic Route 66.
Their signature foot-long chile cheese dog features a 12-inch hot dog smothered in New Mexico’s famous red chile sauce and melted cheese. The combination of spicy chile, gooey cheese, and savory hot dog creates a flavor explosion.
Tackling this massive hot dog is no small feat. Its generous size and hearty toppings make it a filling meal that challenges even the heartiest appetites. Many visitors attempt to finish the entire foot-long in one sitting.
The Dog House Drive-In has received numerous accolades for its chile cheese dogs. Food and Wine Magazine named it the best hot dog in New Mexico. It was also featured on the television show “Breaking Bad,” further cementing its status as an Albuquerque institution.
With its retro neon sign and classic drive-in setup, eating a foot-long chile cheese dog at the Dog House is like taking a delicious step back in time. It offers visitors a taste of New Mexico’s culinary heritage and Route 66 nostalgia all in one memorable meal.
5) The Frontier Restaurant Breakfast Burrito
The Frontier Restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico serves a legendary breakfast burrito that has become a local favorite. This hearty morning meal features a large flour tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, hash browns, and cheese.
Customers can customize their burrito by adding bacon, sausage, or ham. The Frontier’s homemade green chile sauce is a popular addition, providing a spicy kick to the savory ingredients.
The restaurant makes its flour tortillas fresh daily, contributing to the burrito’s exceptional taste and texture. The Frontier’s breakfast burrito is available throughout their extended operating hours, from 5 am to midnight, seven days a week.
Located across from the University of New Mexico, the Frontier Restaurant has been an Albuquerque institution since 1971. Their breakfast burrito has gained a reputation as a satisfying and affordable meal for students, locals, and visitors alike.
The Frontier’s commitment to using quality ingredients and traditional New Mexican flavors has made their breakfast burrito a standout item on their diverse menu. It exemplifies the hearty, flavorful cuisine that New Mexico is known for.
6) Sadie’s Salsa Challenge
Sadie’s of New Mexico offers an exciting food challenge for salsa enthusiasts. The restaurant’s “Pick 4 Challenge” gives participants a chance to win a year’s supply of Sadie’s Salsa.
This challenge tests contestants’ ability to identify different salsa flavors. Participants must correctly guess four salsa varieties from Sadie’s extensive selection.
Successful challengers not only earn bragging rights but also take home a generous prize. The reward of a year’s worth of Sadie’s Salsa is a dream come true for many New Mexican cuisine lovers.
Sadie’s of New Mexico is known for its authentic flavors and commitment to local culinary traditions. Their salsa challenge showcases the restaurant’s pride in its signature condiment.
The Pick 4 Challenge adds an interactive element to dining at Sadie’s. It allows customers to engage with the menu in a unique way while testing their taste buds.
This challenge stands out among New Mexico’s food competitions. Unlike quantity-based eating contests, it focuses on flavor recognition and appreciation of local ingredients.
7) The Rockin’ Ray’s BBQ Meat Mountain
Rockin’ Ray’s BBQ in Hobbs, New Mexico has created a formidable food challenge called the Meat Mountain. This towering sandwich features multiple layers of smoked meats piled high.
The challenge includes generous portions of brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs stacked between two buns. Adventurous eaters must finish the entire sandwich within a set time limit to complete the challenge.
Those who successfully conquer the Meat Mountain earn bragging rights and their photo on the restaurant’s wall of fame. The challenge attracts both locals and visitors looking to test their appetite against this meaty behemoth.
Rockin’ Ray’s uses their signature pit barbecue techniques to smoke the meats to perfection before assembling the sandwich. The variety of barbecue styles and flavors makes each bite of the Meat Mountain a unique experience.
While not for the faint of heart, the Meat Mountain challenge showcases Rockin’ Ray’s BBQ expertise and provides a memorable dining adventure for those willing to take it on.
8) The Legendary Bobcat Bite Green Chile Cheeseburger
The Bobcat Bite in Santa Fe, New Mexico, gained legendary status for its green chile cheeseburger. This iconic dish became the most popular menu item, drawing burger enthusiasts from far and wide.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients set its burgers apart. They used a blend of high-quality ground chuck and sirloin, creating a flavorful and juicy patty.
The star of the show was the balanced green chile topping. This key ingredient added a distinctive New Mexican flavor profile to the burger, elevating it beyond a standard cheeseburger.
Though slightly pricier than average, the Bobcat Bite’s green chile cheeseburger was considered worth the cost. Many patrons viewed it as a must-try culinary experience when visiting Santa Fe.
The legacy of Bobcat Bite continues through its former owners. They now operate Santa Fe Bite, maintaining the tradition of crafting exceptional green chile cheeseburgers that capture the essence of New Mexican cuisine.
9) Mannie & Bo’s Pizzeria Stuffed Pizza Challenge
Mannie & Bo’s Pizzeria in Golden, Colorado offers a formidable stuffed pizza challenge for adventurous eaters. The challenge features a massive 6-pound stuffed pizza that pushes participants to their limits.
This daunting food challenge is available Monday through Thursday, allowing contenders to attempt it on weekdays. The pizzeria offers flexibility by allowing two-person teams to tackle the challenge together for a $25 entry fee.
The stuffed pizza likely contains generous amounts of cheese, sauce, and various toppings encased between two thick crusts. While specific details about the pizza’s contents are not provided, it’s safe to assume it packs a hefty caloric punch.
Successful completion of the challenge may result in prizes such as a free meal, though the exact rewards are not specified. As with many food challenges, there’s likely a time limit for finishing the entire 6-pound pizza.
Mannie & Bo’s Pizzeria challenge joins the ranks of other notable food challenges in the region, offering locals and visitors a chance to test their eating prowess.
10) Cowgirls BBQ Jumbo Cheeseburger
The Cowgirl BBQ in Santa Fe, New Mexico offers a challenging jumbo cheeseburger that puts diners’ appetites to the test. This massive burger features a hearty beef patty topped with melted cheese and served on a fresh bun.
While not an official eating challenge, the sheer size of this burger makes it a formidable meal for even the hungriest customers. The Cowgirl BBQ takes pride in using quality ingredients to create their oversized burgers.
Green chile is a popular addition to many New Mexican dishes, including burgers. The Cowgirl BBQ has participated in green chile cheeseburger competitions, showcasing their skill with this regional favorite.
Diners who tackle this jumbo cheeseburger can expect a filling meal that captures the flavors of New Mexico. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere adds to the experience of taking on this substantial burger.
History of Food Challenges in New Mexico
New Mexico’s food challenge tradition stems from its unique culinary heritage and adventurous spirit. The state’s diverse cultural influences and bold flavors have shaped these gastronomic competitions over time.
Early Beginnings
Food challenges in New Mexico trace back to the mid-20th century. Local diners and family-owned restaurants began offering oversized meals as promotional events. These early challenges often featured massive burritos or enchilada platters.
The El Patron Challenge in Albuquerque, established in 1962, became one of the first widely recognized food contests. Participants attempted to consume a 5-pound burrito in under an hour.
By the 1980s, spicy food challenges gained popularity. The Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at Blake’s Lotaburger tested both appetite and heat tolerance.
Cultural Influences
New Mexico’s food challenges reflect its multicultural heritage. Native American, Spanish, and Mexican culinary traditions have all played a role in shaping these contests.
Pueblo-inspired challenges often incorporate blue corn tortillas and native ingredients. The Fry Bread Feast at Santa Fe’s Plaza Café requires contestants to finish a platter of loaded fry bread in 30 minutes.
Hispanic influences are evident in challenges like the Sopapilla Mountain at Sadie’s of New Mexico. Participants must conquer a towering stack of sopapillas filled with various meats and chiles.
The state’s famous chile peppers feature prominently in many challenges. The Ghost Pepper Burrito Challenge at La Posta de Mesilla pushes heat limits to the extreme.
Popular Cuisine Involved in Challenges
New Mexico’s food challenges showcase the state’s unique culinary heritage and bold flavors. These competitions often feature dishes that push the limits of spiciness and portion sizes.
New Mexican Chili Dishes
Green and red chili peppers form the backbone of many New Mexican food challenges. Restaurants often dare patrons to consume massive portions of chili-laden dishes. The “Belly Buster” burger challenge at Hollow Spirits Distillery features two 2-pound patties smothered in cheese and chili.
Some challenges involve eating extremely spicy chili varieties. Contestants may face bowls of pure ghost pepper or habanero chili. These tests of endurance attract heat-seekers from around the country.
Breakfast burritos, a New Mexican staple, also appear in food challenges. Competitors must devour oversized tortillas stuffed with potatoes, eggs, cheese, and fiery chili sauces.
Traditional Sweets and Desserts
New Mexico’s food challenges aren’t limited to savory dishes. The state’s rich dessert traditions play a role in testing eaters’ mettle. Sopapillas, fried pastries often served with honey, feature in some challenges.
Participants might need to consume enormous quantities of biscochitos, New Mexico’s official state cookie. These anise-flavored treats can become daunting when presented in large amounts.
Ice cream challenges are popular in the hot New Mexican climate. Some contests involve eating massive sundaes topped with local ingredients like piñon nuts or red chili flakes.
Health and Safety Considerations
New Mexico’s food challenges present unique health considerations. Proper precautions and nutritional awareness are key when enjoying the state’s cuisine.
Managing Spicy Foods
New Mexico’s cuisine is renowned for its spicy flavors, often featuring chile peppers. When consuming spicy foods, it’s important to start slowly and build tolerance gradually. Drinking milk or eating dairy products can help counteract the heat. Water may temporarily intensify the burning sensation.
For those with sensitive stomachs, removing seeds and membranes from chile peppers reduces their heat. It’s advisable to have cooling foods like yogurt or sour cream on hand. People with certain health conditions should consult a doctor before partaking in extremely spicy food challenges.
Proper hand washing after handling spicy peppers is crucial to avoid irritation to eyes or sensitive areas. Using gloves when preparing very hot chiles can prevent skin irritation.
Nutritional Advice
New Mexican cuisine offers nutritional benefits when consumed mindfully. Beans, a staple in many dishes, provide fiber and protein. Green chiles are rich in vitamins A and C.
To maintain a balanced diet:
- Opt for grilled or baked options over fried foods
- Choose whole grain tortillas when available
- Incorporate vegetable-based sides like calabacitas
Portion control is important, especially with calorie-dense foods like sopaipillas or biscochitos. Moderation is key when enjoying traditional New Mexican sweets.
For those managing diabetes or heart conditions, it’s important to be aware of sodium and sugar content in sauces and marinades. Requesting these on the side allows for better control over intake.
