The list of entrants was long, many of them relative unknowns to the locals of Albuquerque, but in the end, the state fair’s Green Chile Cheeseburger competition went to….

Grants.  A little burger joint wins favor with 2/3 lb slabs of beef topped with not only chile and cheese, but also bacon and guacamole.  Is that necessary?

Hmm.  Its only 60 miles away, not far at all, and certainly less hectic driving-wise than a trip to Santa Fe, especially the gorgeous view from 9 Mile Hill on your return trip.

Badlands Burger in Grants, NM will be featured in the upcoming Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail, along with its other competitors in the first annual Governor’s challenge.

Yes again, as the strangely re-rising star of Neil Patrick Harris hits headlines due to the Emmys last weekend, his parent’s restaurant in Albuquerque’s North Valley – Perennials – is getting more mentions than most mom & pop cafes could ever dream of.

I ate at Perennials a while ago and it was fine.  That’s about all I have to say, sorry Harrises!

But any locally owned establishment that isn’t serving bad food is a good place to support and give your love and money to – the Chili’s and Outbacks of the world will do just fine.  Or not.  And that wouldn’t be horrible, either.