Chihuahuas Steal Show, Many Hearts At New Lenox Taco Fest

NEW LENOX, IL — The tacos might have brought the crowds out to the New Lenox Commons July 20, but it was the Chihuahuas that won their hearts.

Two dozen contestants strutted the red carpet at New Lenox's Food Fight: Taco Fest. With tacos and margaritas in hand, attendees enjoyed the show, cooing as the pups showed off skirts, shades, tutus, and crowns.

It was a packed crowd for the second year of the event, which featured 13 restaurants vying for fans' votes for top taco. Avocado Theory, Bourbons Smokehouse, Creamery, Drew's Dogs, Fast Eddie's Tacos, La Flor De Morelos, Los Razo's Mexican Grill, Pico De Gallo, Ranch Frostie, Smokin' Z BBQ, Spin Taco, Tacos Before Vatos and Tacos Maui faced off in the taste test.

It was Los Razo's Mexican Grill, of Joliet, that went home with the championship belt for their steak taco, described as seasoned steak topped with onion and cilantro over a double corn tortilla, served with lime and salsa.

On the pageant stage, it was the 2.5-year-old purebred Chihuahua, "Princess," who took top prize. Princess "loves to listen to female opera singers," and wishes she could "eat anything and everything and still keep her girlish figure."

First runner-pup was 4-year-old chihuahua mix "Penny." Penny "is not a dog, she's the baby of the family," and she wishes all dogs would find their forever homes.

Second runner-pup was 3-year-old purebred Chihuahua "Gypsy," who has her own TikTok account and wishes she could talk.