The Hacienda El Charro Restaurant, Blanco location, took home the Three Rivers 10th Annual Salsa Festival Restaurant Division Trophy.

Owner Miguel Alvarez can be proud of his staff, as very early on Saturday morning, Mexican Chef Rjgoberto Herrera prepared the required one gallon of salsa to enter the competition.

Frequent customer Barby Harris O’Brien offered to enter the salsa in this year’s competition instead of her own.

Barby has entered and won in several divisions at Three Rivers every year since she first started to attend the event.

“I thought it would be fun to see if one of our local restaurants has what it takes to win the trophy”, stated Barby. “I love the cooking competition circuit. Last February at the Blanco Cooks for the Cure First Chili Cook Off, held at Yett Memorial Park, I was surprised to win first place out of the 49 entries. Every time my husband and I go to one of the two El Charro restaurants, whether it is Blanco or Johnson City, I always tease Miguel that I have the best.

Well now we know that we both have the best. Maybe we need a local challenge? I’m ready when they are!”

The Three River judges had to endure 41 entries before the trophy was awarded to Hacienda El Charro. Very excited, Barby entered the restaurant early Sunday morning to a filled dining room to witness the delivery of the trophy. Big smiles were all around.

Manager Miguel Leon and his wife were happy, yet surprised to see the trophy. “We’re going to make a place right behind the counter for everyone to see”, Leon said as customers looked on.

One of few restaurants in Blanco and Johnson City to be open 7 days a week, The Hacienda El Charro has authentic Mexican flare when it comes to breakfast tacos and plates and is served until 11:00am daily at a special rate.

You must try the green picante salsa with your breakfast. That will surely get your day started off right.

But it’s not just breakfast that’s the ticket here, you have to try the Fired Ice Cream or Carnitas, the Chile Verde, or the Seafood Combo and on and on and on. Everything on the menu is fantastic! The service is fantastic! And, the customers are the best in the city.