Grants restaurant wins NM burger challenge

Posted at: 09/22/2009 7:33 PM | Updated at: 09/23/2009 7:29 AM
By: Eyewitness News 4; The Associated Press

Daniel Chavez credits his mom for his winning cooking

Badlands Burgers cooked up the best burger Tuesday afternoon at the state fairgrounds as part of Gov. Bill Richardson's Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge.

Underdog Daniel Chavez just opened his restaurant six months ago. He credits his mom’s cooking.

"When I was younger, if I wouldn't have paid attention to my mom I wouldn't have ever learned anything," he said. "So, you out there, pay attention to mother; she knows something,”

The governor asked Chavez about his secret recipe. He told Richardson he can’t say what it is because his mom would get upset.

Badlands Burgers beat out 19 other contestants. Richardson says the cook-off will become an annual event to promote one of New Mexico's "true culinary delights."

Judging began at 4 p.m., with one burger considered roughly every five minutes until all 20 were tasted and scored.

The judges used a point system based on taste, balance of ingredients and appearance. Each contestant had to use New Mexico-grown green chile.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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