- Event to feature the La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Challenge -

Market Square heats up with Jalapeño Explosion

The temperatures outdoors may be rising into the 90's, but it will be even hotter in San Antonio on Sunday, May 1 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. as the Jalapeño Explosion heats up Market Square. This spicy, culinary experience will feature the La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship Challenge and the Jalapeño Culinary Challenge. This event is free and open to the public.

The unique, culinary challenge will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will include 12 students from three of the top-tiered culinary institutes in San Antonio - the Culinary Institute of America, St. Philip's College, and the Art Institute of San Antonio - demonstrating their culinary skills in a quick fire cook-off to see who can create and present the most spectacular jalapeño-inspired dish using only the mystery ingredients provided for them. Judging the culinary challenge will be renowned chef and author Michael Flores; chef and owner of Aldaco's Stone Oak Blanca Aldaco; entertainment consultant and producer Bill Drain; and chef and owner of Mi Tierra Restaurant Michael Cortez. Judges will award two winners of the challenge with a scholarship toward their culinary education.

The popular La Costeña "Feel the Heat" Jalapeño Eating Championship will kick off at 1:00 p.m. and will feature some of the world's greatest professional eaters as they compete in an eight-minute scorching battle for the $3000 grand prize.

The fiery fun will not end with the culinary and eating challenges. The Jalapeño Explosion will feature entertainment by Austin-based and Latin Grammy Winner Groupo Fantasma to heat up the stage with musical performances. Actress, soloist and comedienne Ruby Nelda Perez will delight audiences with a rendition of her Dona Rosita's Jalapeño Kitchen.

Other activities include vendors offering a variety of jalapeño specialty foods and jalapeño-themed merchandise. Latin acoustic music will be provided in the plazas for visitors to enjoy while strolling the plazas. The Museo Alameda will offer an educational experience through art and culture on the history of the jalapeño and other chilies native to Mexico and explore ancient and current uses beginning at noon on the Paseo de Artes.

For more information on the Jalapeño Explosion, call 216-9592 or visit www.sanantonio.gov/marketsquare.