Red and Green: New Mexico’s Food Scene is On Fire – April, 2026
NEW MEXICO CHEFS INTRODUCE INDIGINOUS CUISINE ON CHOPPED: Santa Clara Pueblo’s Ray Naranjo and Fruitland’s Justin Pioche made the Land of Enchantment very proud during an April 21st edition of The Food Network’s “Chopped” program. In an episode titled “Indigenous Inspiration,” the chefs created meals using mystery ingredients. In addition to the two New Mexican chefs, the competition featured Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet/Cherokee) and Jessica Walks First (Menominee). Each chef was required to prepare a three-course meal across appetizer, entrée, and dessert rounds, with one chef eliminated each round. Chef Naranjo was the second chef eliminated despite having prepared a delectable dish praised by the judges. When the smoke cleared and judging had concluded Chef Pioche was declared winner of the…