Late summer is chile harvest time in New Mexico and Blue Mesa is celebrating its 15th Annual Hatch Chile Festival. Hatch, New Mexico is considered the “Chile Capital of the World.” During harvest time the whole town of Hatch is filled with the aroma of chiles roasting at roadside stands. Blue Mesa is one of the primary spots in Texas for enjoying these seasonal chiles. Fifteen years ago, Blue Mesa sent a guy with a truck to Hatch, New Mexico to buy enough chiles to last a month or so. Today these chiles can be easily purchased at several markets in the DFW area. Word has it that this year’s crop is supposed to be excellent – and that will be great for Blue Mesa’s new menu.
Blue Mesa imports medium spicy Big Jim chiles from Young Guns Farms in Hatch (only chiles grown there can be called Hatch). Big Jims are a large, meaty variety of green chile that was developed in Hatch and is great for rellenos. The tasty peppers arrive at the height of their season and are featured in Festival parties and specials at all 5 Blue Mesa locations.
A special menu will run for the length of the Festival – from August 1 through the end of September (or whenever the chiles run out). Stop by and try some incredible chile rellenos – cheese or smoked chicken or Oaxaca cheese and shrimp (any 2 for $12 or all 3 for $14). Hatch Chile Pozole, a hearty soup made from veal stock, hominy, Hatch chiles and toasted tortilla strips ($4.50 cup and $5.50 bowl), Steak Relleno Tacos ($10), and traditional Stacked Enchiladas. And check out some new stuff, too – Hatch Cheese bites ($4.50) made with a chile wrapped piece of asadero cheese that is battered, fried, and served with two dipping sauces. And Hatch Short Ribs ($15) made by braising the ribs for hours in a Hatch sauce and serving it with a Hatch Chile Potato Tart.
Special Hatch Festival events and info:
Down the Hatch Happy Hour
Tuesday, August 9 – 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Special Hatch Second Tuesday Happy Hour featuring Ambhar Tequilas. Free samples of platinum, reposado, and añejo. Ambhar competes as an ultra-premium smooth and flavorful tequila. The Prickly Pear and Hatch Margarita is only $6.50 at the party. There will be chile roasting with take home samples and a complimentary tasting of Hatch Cheese Bites and Steak Relleno Tacos.
Hatch Festival Dinner Party
Wednesday, August 17 – 5:00 – 9:00 pm
The Festival dinner party is an outrageous buffet dinner featuring Hatch chiles and Ambhar tequilas. The menu includes all the items on the featured Hatch menu (see above), homemade desserts and more.
$14.95 for the buffet dinner. $6.95 for Kids ages 6-10. Children 5 and under are free.
Cash bar featuring Ambhar Tequilas. Top Shelf Margaritas and the Prickly Pear and Hatch Margarita made with Ambhar Platinum – $8 at the party. Reservations are recommended.
The 15th Annual Hatch Chile Festival menu and events will be at all 5 Blue Mesa locations:
- Lincoln Park, 7700 W. Northwest Hwy., Dallas (214) 378.8686
- Village on the Parkway, 5100 Beltline, Addison (972) 934.0165
- Granite Park, 8200 Dallas Pkwy. (at 121), Plano (214) 387.4407
- University Park Village, 1600 S. University Dr., Ft Worth (817) 332.6372
- Southlake Town Square, 1586 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake (817) 416.0055
15th Annual Hatch Festival t-shirts ($10) and Hatch salsa ($4.00/pint) will be available for purchase during the Festival.
For more information visit www.bluemesagrill.com.