It's a Throwdown!

This is Part Two of Two, if you want to read part One, click here.

We woke up early, excited about the Food Network event that was scheduled for today.

We had arrived at the Bosque and took our place in line when someone mentioned that we weren't supposed to wear black (or stripes or logos). Since we were sort of late to the party, we hadn't gotten the whole instructions and here I was dressed all in black (think of it as my tribute to Johnny Cash . . .). Oh well, C'est la vie!

At the gate, our names were checked off a list and once again, we had to agree to let them use our likenesses in any way they deemed fit. No one seemed to mind (and I felt pretty safe since I was dressed in the forbidden black).

There was a lovely mix of people attending the event. Remember at this point, we had been told this would be a Chili Festival. jointly sponsored by the Buckhorn and the Food Channel.

Shortly after arriving, I saw this gentleman, and I just had to take his picture. He was most gracious and said I could take as many shots as I wanted and also gave me permission to post his picture here on the blog.

Isn't this the best moustache you've ever seen?

We were also treated to a visit
by the Chili Queen from Hatch, New Mexico.
Hatch is often cited
as the chili capitol of the world.

There were vendors,
and more chili
than we had seen in quite a while.

The staff from the Buckhorn
was in attendance,
cooking and serving
with their usual style.

The Food Network had prepared this banner.

The outdoor patio was set up
with decorations
and tons of mosquito netting.

I thought they did a beautiful job
of preparing the cooking area.
The view was gorgeous.

Here's everyone waiting
so they could film us coming in
to watch Robert from the Buckhorn
prepare his famous burgers.

He started telling us all his trade secrets,
and before we knew it,

Ta Da,
Bobby Flay was on the scene.
It was a throwdown!

Here's Roberts' table,
ready for him to go to work.

And here is Bobby Flays' fine assistant,
preparing his cooking space.
If I wasn't such a twit,
I would have gotten her name.
She was really friendly
and a nice addition to the event.

Bobby Flay was open
and friendly to everyone.

Robert entertained the crowd,
singing,

and playing the harmonica.

Bobby signed autographs

And even let us plant a flagpole in his head.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Even the birds came out for the party.

Now it was time to get down to some serious cooking.
I took these shots from
quite a ways away,
but I was just so excited,
I couldn't stop shooting pictures.

While the folks at the Buckhorn
made their usual fine green chili cheese burger.
Bobby Flay made his with a scrumptious cheese sauce

marinated red onions,

crushed blue corn tortillas
and a mixture of green chili.
It was all topped off with a
balsamic, cilantro and honey relish

It was a fine looking burger.

I was in such a tizzy,
I forgot to take a picture
of the famous Buckhorn Burger!

But I did get this picture
of my friend Lupita with Bobby Flay

Then they told everyone
to gather behind the judges table
for the final event.
Since I got behind the table,
I couldn't take any pictures of the judges.
And that's probably why
I'll never be a professional photographer . . .

The tension mounted,
the ballots were brought out,
we all waited with baited breath

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Well, actually, they swore us to silence.

Sorry.

So far, I haven't heard when this show will air, but as soon as I do, I'll post it here.

I can say it was a wonderful time. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely and the food really was divine. If you ever have a chance to attend such an event, go out of your way, like we did, it was certainly worth it.

As always