One of Socorro’s own will compete in the Green Chile Cheeseburger Smackdown this September.

Yo Mama’s is one of eight finalists competing for the title of “Reigning Chomp.” The local restaurant is owned and operated by Deidra and Jason Vinson. Deidra manages the business and Jason is the chef.

Deidra said she’s always wanted to attend the Smackdown and is excited to be going for the first time as competitors.

“It’s a live event and it’s an outdoor event,” said Deidra. “You don’t have the luxury of your kitchen. You don’t have the luxury of a truck. It’s under a tent, with gas grills.

“There’s a lot of things you don’t have that you count on. So you have to think, what am I going to need? Everything. We’re going to have to take the kitchen sink.”

The restaurant will take its Bosque Burger, a classic green chile cheeseburger with angus beef on a brioche bun that has been on their menu since they opened in 2015.

“I know that some chefs will try and create something different and he was adamant on sticking with that classic, so we’re going up with that classic cheeseburger,” said Deidra.

Burgers will be judged on a range of criteria, said Jason, including burger-ability.

“You can’t have too much stuff on there where it doesn’t stay together. They judge you on the whole burger, on the eating of the burger and stuff like that.”

Their secret weapon: Lemitar chile.

Their chile producer Rosales Produce will be going up to Santa Fe with them to roast green chile and hand out samples on competition day.

The 800-person event, set for Sept. 10 at the Santa Fe Brewing Co. headquarters, has sold out.

Competitors will have to serve 200 to 300 people per hour. The Smackdown is in its ninth year and is hosted by Edible New Mexico magazine.

Yo Mama’s will compete against Pajarito Brewpub & Grill from Los Alamos, Rio Rancho’s Turtle Mountain Brewing Company, Luminaria at Inn and Spa Loretto in Santa Fe, and four Albuquerque restaurants: Mesa Provisions, Upscale Burgers & Shakes, Tikka Spice and El Roi.

Along with the “Reigning Chomp,” which will be determined by a panel of six judges, one burger will also be selected as “People’s Choice Award,” based on votes from event attendees.

The Vinsons will take 10 staff to the competition, and several regulars have secured tickets to the event.

Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain Editor