The air was thick with a blend of aromas from dozens of green chili recipes over Civic Center Park Saturday at the annual Cinco de Mayo festival.
The hearty, thick stew caused festival-goers to stop dead in their tracks, taste, then vote for their favorite chili.
“This one’s not as spicy as I like,” said Monica Chavez of Aurora, who stopped to taste one variety.
Cooks donned aprons, wielded their soup ladles and eyed the panel of judges who sat across them. They included former Denver Bronco Haven Moses, Azteca news anchor Ana Mejia and KOOL-105 radio personality “Cha Cha” Chavez.
“I grew up in Las Cruces (N.M.) and each year go back and buy three sacks of Hatch and have a roasting party,” Chavez said. “I am a true judge of chili. Who needs a boyfriend if you have great chili, garlic and a warm tortilla.”
Some of the restaurants competing this year were Los Habaneros, La No Ria Market, Santiago’s, Mercedes, Madera’s, El Potrera, Cherokee, La Loma and Garcia’s.
“I’ve won nine out of 10 chili cooking contests,” boasted Richard Marquez of La Loma. He handed out small cups of the savory chili to a sea of outstretched arms.
A parade on Saturday through downtown kicked off the Cinco de Mayo event, now in its 21st year. It continues today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Civic Center Park. Several hundred thousand are expected to attend through the weekend.
Features for children include Euro Bungee jumping, a petting zoo, carnival rides, a rock-climbing wall, Mexican and Aztec dancers and music by the United States Naval Band and Los Lunaticos.
But it was the first-annual green chili cook-off that made the masses’ mouths water. The green chili eating frenzy lasted about an hour. Judges voted on flavor, meat, texture, consistency, aroma and color.
Color?
“It can’t be red or pinkish,” insisted judge and restaurant owner Jack Martinez.
The winner of the green chili cook-off won $500, a wooden plaque and bragging rights. The top honor went to La No Ria Market and Restaurant in Denver.
Chef Ignacio Romero, 27, said his special green chili recipe was handed down by his mother. He politely declined to share it, however.
“It’s good and people comment on its unique flavor,” Romero said in Spanish.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award went to Santiago’s, and hearty screams erupted from the crowd as that winner was announced.
“The people know, and that’s what counts,” shouted a jubilant Carmen Morales, who started the family-owned business 16 years ago.
Annette Espinoza: 303-954-1655 or aespinoza@denverpost.com
