"...Promotional material that will showcase New Mexico restaurants, farmers’ markets, wineries, microbreweries, and other producers throughout the state," said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department.

But first comes Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail.

Riding the wave of national and international interest in New Mexico’s unique culinary heritage, the New Mexico Tourism Department announced new initiatives to promote one of the fastest growing segments of today’s travel industry. That would be culinary travel and well, New Mexico shines with our unique New Mex cuisine.

The top 20-vote getters will become part of the Trail, as will the winner of the Governor’s Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge at the State Fair Sept. 22, 2009.

The Buckhorn Tavern in San Antonio, winner of the recent “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on the Food Network and inspiration for the Governor’s Challenge, will also be honored with inclusion on the Trail. A committee organized by the Tourism Department will select at least 20 additional restaurants for the Trail to ensure that there will be mouthwatering stops convenient to visitors in all areas of the New Mexico.

Any New Mexico-based restaurant is eligible for nomination to be in the Trail if it serves a burger (beef, bison or “veggie”) with cheese and New Mexican green chile. Complete guidelines are posted on NewMexico.org