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This is my favorite time of year – early in the fall when there’s starting to be a slight chill in the air and the wonderful smell of chiles in the air as well. That’s because it’s the time of year for the annual Chile Festival at Z’Tejas in the Gateway. In fact, this Sunday will mark the close of the 3rd Annual Z’Tejas Chile Fest so you’d better get down to the Gateway while the chiles are still hot!
I love the smell of green chiles roasting on the outdoor fire at Z’Tejas. But don’t get the idea that all chiles are hot and spicy. According to Z’Tejas Executive Chef Todd Gardiner, “Many people don’t realize that chile peppers are used in other ways than just as a hot and spicy ingredient.” He says “they are also used to sweeten, to accentuate flavors, and even to tone down other spices.”
Through this weekend at Z’Tejas they’ll be celebrating the chile harvest with special menu items like green chile queso fundido, a green chile-cheese enchilada, green chile carnitas, and even an ancho chile fudge pie for dessert.
They’ll be roasting up more than a thousand pounds of New Mexico chiles at Z’Tejas during their annual Chile Festival. And like I said, this is the last few days to get in on the firey fun. Oh and speaking of fire, Z’Tejas will donate a dollar for every Chile Fest menu item sold to the Salt Lake City Fire Department and their charity of choice. But be sure to dress warm, because it might be a little “chile” at the Gateway this weekend.