Eastside resident Denise LaCaille spiced things up for Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill’s second annual Chile Fest Dessert Contest on August 15 in Bellevue.

The Z’Tejas recipe contest is a tribute to the famous Hatch, New Mexico Chile Festival, which has been in existence for 33 years.

LaCaille took first place with her recipe, Blueberry Chipotle Shortcakes, which will be featured in the special Chile Fest Menu during the month of September. In addition to having her dessert featured on the menu at Z’Tejas, LaCaille won a private dinner for 10 to be prepared by Z’Tejas Executive Chef Noel Sanchez.

The second place winner, Michelle Huynh of Mountlake Terrace, prepared a Tropical Mango Jalapeno Crumble and third place went to Gary Exner of Wilsonville, Ore., with his Black Raspberry Ancho and Chocolate Brownie.

The three finalists prepared their desserts for three tasting judges; Chef Carol Dearth from Sizzleworks Cooking School in Bellevue, Michael Brandt, Founder of the Downtown Bellevue Network and Viki Ryan, Owner of RyanWenzel Events.

“This competition gives the amateur chef the opportunity to try something different and discover the many uses for chilies” said general manager Matt Vega. “I am excited about the great recipes that were submitted, and Denise’s Blueberry Chipotle Shortcakes was a standout.”

A portion of the sales from the Chile Fest Menu will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The menu will be available September 8 through 27.

Z’Tejas is located in the Lodge at Bellevue Square on the third level next to the sky bridge. For more information visit www.ztejas.com or call 425-467-5911.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.