This is the big one – the omphalos of my chile relleno quest. I stopped at Chope’s three and a half years ago on the big bike ride and had the best plate of stuffed peppers I’ve ever eaten. Knowing I was going to be back in the same (general) area? A visit was a must.

Seems like the restaurant side of the house has closed, but the Bar & Cafe is still popular. When I pulled up a little before noon, there were 2 other parties waiting for the doors to open.

I am not going to attempt an ‘objective’ evaluation – I have too much wrapped up in this spot. There’s the bike visit. There’s the gf and her dog element: when I came through in 2019 I was involved with someone whose mother had owned land in the Mesilla area, and who had once had a beloved dog named Chope. I figured that wasn’t coincidence and I was right. And there’s the ongoing hope that some good things have not gone into the toilet during the past few plague years.

I’ve carried this receipt in my wallet for years. Check the date!

*

Place: Chope’s Bar and Cafe, La Mesa NM

Variety: chile relleno plate. Three chile rellenos, smothered (with salsa verde in this case), beans, rice and flour tortillas. Peak lunch experience. I started with a glass of beer, some corn chips and a small bowl of hot green salsa while I chatted with the locals down the bar. Then the plate came out. I don’t want to make too big a deal of it – this is not molecular gastronomy or summat. What it is, is cheese and pepper and breading and sauce. What it is, is delicious, filling and hugely comforting. If you’re passing through the Las Cruces/El Paso environs Chope’s is strongly recommended. Nose around for hours – they’re definitely open noon on Thursday ATM.

Me gusta mucho.