Pepe’s wins JWC’s Chefs Open

Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina won the Chefs Open competition sponsored by the Canyon Lake Junior Women’s Club. The competition included restaurants from throughout Canyon Lake. The restaurants submitted a signature dish and were voted on by diners.

Pepe’s showcased its unique dish, the Shrimp & Chicken Pineapple Fajita for two. The restaurant, which opened during the pandemic in February 2021 under the ownership of Erin and Ed Ryder, has a completely new food and drink concept.

The Chef Open event is an annual opportunity for Canyon Lake restaurants to demonstrate their culinary skills and to promote unique menu items. It also serves as a fundraiser for the club. Those restaurants participating this year were Pepe’s, PZA, Canyon Cowboy, Lighthouse, Country Club, Urban Island and Sports Stop. To be eligible to participate in the event, the restaurant must be located in Canyon Lake or owned by someone in Canyon Lake.

“This was the 2nd Annual Chefs Open put on by the JWC,” Iris Strickland said. “This year, the money raised all went to the family of the fallen sheriff in Canyon Hills. This was a fantastic time for the community to come together to not only promote local restaurants, but give back to this family that needed our help. That’s what JWC is all about.”

The winners of the best delectable dish and, consequently, the contest, displays the perpetual trophy at their restaurant to show off that they are the champions of the Chefs Open.

Pepe’s underwent a full renovation of the dining and bar areas. The cantina features live entertainment throughout the week and weekends. During the Chefs Open competition the restaurant went all out to get customers in to try their tasty dish, co-owner Erin said.

“Our philosophy at Pepe’s is to have a great staff, promote excellent team work, and give excellent service,” Erin said. “We are thrilled to have participated in the Chef Open Competition and look forward to the next one.”

Pepe’s winning dish consists of chicken, shrimp, bell peppers, onions and pineapple all served in a sizzling skillet. It also comes with sides of cilantro lime rice, black beans, tortillas and toppings.