...AND FUNKY!
This is the scene as you enter HATCH, New Mexico.
Roadside shacks selling mostly chile...
Funky signage...
VERY funky signage...
Did he try to trip someone and get his foot bitten off in the process?!
Then turn the corner where you'll find a little more upscale chile shops...
Some with roof-dried red chiles.
Hatch, New Mexico has been hatched as the Southwest's hot spot for chile lovers. I flew through the town but couldn't resist a stop at my favorite mama y papa's chile store. It has changed somewhat since my last visit three years ago: the shack's floor has been gentrified (since a breached canal flooded the premises in 2006) -- the New Mexican dirt has been replaced by some shiny linoleum tile! And there were a few new products on the makeshift shelves. Like organic powdered chipotle and garlic that I think will definitely refine my scrambled eggs!
The "next generation," who speaks flawless English, is still behind the counter. No workers were in the back constructing chile wreaths, crosses, strands though; it was a Sunday, and they had the day off. I missed hearing their chatter while watching their nimble fingers, like greased lightening, thread the bright red chiles into festive, edible souvenirs of the capsicum fruit that makes this Rio Grande River region "world famous"!
You can even buy locally grown potatoes, onions, garlic, pecans and honey.
For some Southwest small town flavor, Hatch is worth a stop. Tell 'em I sent you!
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