[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E151]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 EL GUERO CANELO WINS JAMES BEARD AWARD

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2018

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Daniel Contreras, the owner of the famed El Guero Canelo restaurant for 
receiving a James Beard Award for his world-famous Sonoran hot dog. El 
Guero Canelo won this prestigious award in a special category called 
``American Classics,'' which honors restaurants that are ``cherished 
for quality food that reflects the character of the community.'' I 
cannot think of a better choice that reflects the cuisine and culture 
of Tucson.
  Contreras' restaurant, El Guero Canelo, is emblematic of the merging 
of Mexican and American culture that makes Tucson so special. The 
restaurant has a storied history in the region and is representative of 
how one immigrant from Mexico with hard work, dedication, and drive can 
achieve the American Dream.
  Born in Magdalena, Sonora, Mexico, Contreras experienced the trials 
of economic hardship, spending his days playing baseball while dreaming 
of a professional career. Like so many before him, Contreras left his 
native Mexico for Tucson, Arizona in search of a better life and lured 
by the promise of the American Dream. He worked long hours as a 
dishwasher in local restaurants until he decided to take a risk and 
open up a hot dog stand in 1993, which became the birthplace of the 
legendary El Guero Canelo. From that tiny hot dog stand, his business 
has grown to include three restaurants in Tucson and one in Phoenix.
  In addition to his immeasurable contributions to the gastronomy of 
Tucson, Contreras is an upstanding member of the community, dedicated 
to serving others. He is an active member of his church and frequently 
visits state prisons to speak with incarcerated individuals on how to 
prevent alcoholism.
  Contreras' story demonstrates the power of the American Dream and the 
persistent, entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant community. Thank 
you Daniel Contreras for your contributions to Tucson, and I look 
forward to enjoying a James Beard award-winning Sonoran hotdog.

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