Tacos Stuff, Chihuahuas Steal Hearts At New Lenox's Food Fight: Taco Fest

NEW LENOX, IL — The tacos might have kept the crowds fed at the New Lenox Commons July 12, but it was the chihuahuas that stole their hearts.

Ten contestants strutted the red carpet at New Lenox's Food Fight: Taco Fest. With tacos and margaritas in hand, the audience enjoyed the show, cooing as the pups showed off skirts, a lion's mane, a tutu—and even a Santa suit.

It was a packed crowd for the third year of the event, which featured 12 restaurants vying for fans' votes for top taco. Avocado Theory, Creamery, Drew's Dogs, Don Jose's Cantina, Fast Eddie's Tacos, Lil Angel's Snack Shack, Los Razo's Mexican Grill, Reina del Pozole, Ranch Frostie, Smokin' Z BBQ, Ta Canijo and Tacos Maui faced off in the taste test.

It was New Lenox's Don Jose's Cantina that went home with the championship belt for their chicken taco, described as tajin and agave chicken, topped with queso fresco, lime crema, cilantro and radish.

Recap the contestants—in case you want to find them for more—below.

On the pageant stage, it was the 2-year-old purebred Chihuahua, "Rex," who took the Judges' Choice prize. Rex "has one specific bunny toy he has to sleep with," and wishes "to give every dog a loving home."

Rex and owner Ashley Quinn live in New Lenox, and it was their second year competing in the pageant.

"I put a lot of thought into it this year," Quinn told Patch.

Twelve-year-old Chihuahua mix Chiquita—trotting in a patriotic tutu—took the prize for Best Tricks. She's "as tough as she looks," her owner told judges, and the former shelter dog wishes "to save all chihuahuas from the streets."

Another purebred chihuahua, 1.5-year-old Chuy Baca, won for the best Taco Fest-themed Costume. Chuy wants people to know he "turbo spins to poop," and that he wishes mom and dad would skip work to cuddle all day.

Owners Lucy and Jesse Gonzalez said they hadn't heard about the contest until just two days before. Chuy is new to their family—they just got him in April. They had originally planned on a king outfit, but "he couldn't keep the crown on," they said.

Lucy said Chuy came to them from California, where he didn't fare quite as well in a similar contest.

"He was a real beauty pageant reject," Lucy Gonzalez said. "He made up for it today."

In the taco showdown, attendees sampled the contestants' tacos, then voting for their favorites. The event also featured a tortilla-throwing contest and hot sauce-eating contest later in the evening, as well as live music from All American Throwbacks.

On Monday, Don Jose's co-owner Chris Kucala thanked the public for their votes, and applauded their staff.

"A huge thank you to the organizers, patrons and especially to our amazing team who put their heart, soul, and spice into every taco," Kucala told Patch. "A special thanks to our Head Chef, Britt Arlen, who created two great tacos for the event, and was behind the flat top all day. Winning this competition is not just a proud moment—it’s a celebration of our passion for great food and bold flavors.

"To all our fellow competitors: you brought incredible talent and creativity to the table, and we’re honored to have shared the stage with such amazing taco artisans.

"And of course, thank you to our supporters and taco lovers everywhere—this win is for you."