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New and returning restaurants will vie for the title of best Salsa, Tequila & Taco in Southern Arizona this Labor Day Weekend The definitive competition to discover Southern Arizona's new reigning culinary champions of salsa, tequila and tacos returns this Labor Day Weekend to La Encantada Shopping Center. The 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge invites guests to sample unique culinary creations from over 40 of Southern Arizona's top restaurants, breweries and distilleries, then cast their votes for their new favorite 2019 champions.
This event celebrates the diversity of Southern Arizona's growing culinary community. Proceeds from the event will support the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming as well as the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona's efforts to end hunger. The 9th Annual event features an array of new competitors including Benson City Grill, Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta, Peppersauce Kitchen, Daniela's Cooking, and more. Winners from previous years will also be returning including Angie's Kick Ass Salsa, Quail Creek Country Club and the Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain. Guests will be able to cast their votes throughout the night to help crown the new 2019 People's Choice winners in the categories of Salsa, Tequila and Taco. A team of distinguished local guest judges will also be casting their votes onsite. Live entertainment will keep guests singing and dancing throughout the night. Performances include Folklorico Dancing from Ballet Folklorico, Latin Fusion Music from Santa Pachita on the main stage, and the charismatic Flamenco group Troy Gray Duo. Tickets for the 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge are on sale now. Admission Tickets are available for $55 or enjoy early access at 6PM with a V.I.P. Admission Ticket for only $85 and enjoy valet parking, a tequila toast and a commemorative shot glass. Both ticket levels grant access to all of the participating restaurants and libations. 2019 Participating Restaurants & Menus: 3 Amigos Tequila Cucumber Jicama Tequila Cocktail- Tequila, lime, lemon, cucumber, jicama, cane sugar Ramona's Reserve- Tequila Liqueur Straight Tasting Americano Mexicano Menu TBA Angie's Gourmet To Go Angie's Gourmet Amazing Hot Salsa- This fire roasted tomato salsa will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more! Angie's Kick Ass Salsa Classic Hot Salsa- Made with over 20 fresh ingredients. Very highly recieved for its fresh and complex flavor. Kick Ass Tomatillo Hot Salsa- This is a flavor explosion, but stays on the green side of the spectrum. Uses over 20 fresh ingredients. Barrio Brewing Barrio Blonde, Rojo & Citrazona Benson City Grill Cilantro, Jalapeno, Lime Margarita- People’s Choice 1st Place Winner at the 2019 World Margarita Championship! Cucumber and jalapeno muddled with fresh lime and a Tajin rim. Blanco Tacos + Tequila Traditional Salsa Signature Taco Cafe a la C'Art The Art of Salsa- Roasted and Smoked Vegetable Salsa Café Botanica Smoked Nopal Salsa with Preserved Lemon- Smoked Nopales, Preserved Meyer Lemons, Fresh Cilantro & Pickled Onion Al Pastor- Truly a farm to table taco with native corn masa "tortitas", E&R Pork on the spit, Merchants' Garden red choy, Sonoran Ranch queso fresco with our fresh made Nopal Salsa Calle Tepa Menu TBA Casino Del Sol Salsa Molcajete- A traditional charred salsa Tomatillo Cruda- A fresh tomatillo cruda salsa Chef Didn't Tell Me To Name This- Refreshing grapefruit and tequila cocktail Forbes' Traveling Taco- Sonoran hot dog traveling taco featuring Forbes Meat Co. hot dogs Daniela's Cooking Daniela's Salsa- Traditional salsa with a little kick to it. Dos XX Dos XX and Tecate El Coronado Family Restaurant Menu TBA Estrella Jalisco Estrella Jalisco Beer Fermentented Tea Company Kombucha Prickly Pear Kombucha and New Dragon Fruit Kombucha Four Peaks Brewing Company Lima Spiked Limeade, Golden Lager, Xerocole IPA Jarritos and Mineragua A variety of Jarritos flavors and Mineragua- non-alcoholic beverages Jugo Fuerte Spiked Agua Frescas Jugo Fuerte Pepino & Jugo Fuerte Sandia La Cumbre Brewing Co. 4 La Cumbre Beers La Estrella Bakery Mexican Pastries- handed out to take home New Belgium Brewing Company Mural, an agua fresca ale Peppersauce Kitchen Roasted Pepper Salsa- Roasted serrano and jalapeno Sweet Pepper Rib-Eye Taco- Top shelf rib-eye with sweet pepper pico and cheeses on a grilled corn tortilla and fire roasted salsa Pima Community College Hospitality Leadership Salsa Casera- Home-style salsa like Nana made Salsa Azteca- A robust Aztec influenced salsa with a hint of cocoa Drowning Taco (Tacos Ahogados)- A perfectly seasoned combination of shredded beef, pork and thin sliced potato crispy taco. Served with natural juice broth and topped with lettuce, tomato, carrots, cucumber, radishes, avocado, marinated red onion and cotija cheese. [POPPED] Artisan Popcorn Artisan Popcorn and Pretzels Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta Mambo Italiano- Pineapple & basil salsa Smokey Tiki Spritz- Smokey pineapple mezcal cocktail Pure Love Juice Agua Frescas Queen Ceviche Rhubiscus Margarita- Organic Hibiscus Syrup, Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Blanco Tequila, chile rim Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila Salsa Verde- Roasted tomatillo and poblano salsa The Arrogant Salsa- It'll hit you where it hurts! Blueberry Basil Margarita- 100% Blue Weber Agave Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, house made blueberry and basil puree, served on the rocks with a sugar rim Rigo's Restaurant El Camalion (The Chameleon)- Roasted guajillo, onions, garlic, cilantro, and bacon Salsa Guacamole- Avocado blended with cilantro, salt and roasted New Mexico peppers and serranos Tequila Jello Shots- Granadine and tequila Arriba, al Centro Y pa' Dentro- Silver Tequila Tasting Tacos de Cazuelas- Quesatacos- Tortilla with oxaca cheese and choice of meat bistec, or birria. Vegetarian option- cheese and guacamole salsa Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain Cowboy Salsa- Signature salsa Sweet Taco- Sweeter side of tacos Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequila Culinary Tequila Tasting Experience- Un-oaked Silver is paired with fresh salted mango, then buttery Reposado is joined by a bite of aged sharp cheddar and finish with velvety Añejo paired with orange infused dark chocolate Salsa de Lazo Salsa de Lazo Hot Sauce- Firey, local hot sauce made with fresh ingredients Royal Catering Fire Roasted Red Salsa- Tomatoes, onions and chilies cooked over mesquite Asian Pico De Gallo- Far East Meets Sonora. Diced daikon, chilies, ginger, cilantro and lime San Carlos Grill San Carlos Salsa- A flavorsome blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro with a extra kick of spice Santiago's Mexican Salsa Santiago- Blends of the best fire roasted tomatoes, onions and traditional Mexican spices (Hot) Seared Short Rib Taco- Braised beef short rib with roasted corn, lime, cilantro, cabbage, Salsa Yucatan and cotija cheese Savaya Coffee Market Organic, fresh, life-giving cold brew and iced tea Sierra Nevada Sierra Nevada Beer The Gallery Golf Club Pepita Salsa- Earthy and textured salsa with herbs and crunch from roasted pumpkin seeds Salsa Taquera- The one you need on all the tacos Cumber Paloma- Muddled cucumber, tequila blanco & salty sweet rim Taco Poblano- Potato, roasted corn and poblano pepper rajas Quail Creek Country Club QC Salsa Taquera Chile de Arbol- Chile de Arbol, smoked tomatoes Charred Pineapple and Mango Salsa- Charred pineapple, ginger and mango salsa Jalapeno Margarita- Jalapeno infused sweet and sour, tequila and black salt Adobada Taco- Pork adobada taco with avocado cream and chile de arbol salsa The Living Room at La Encantada Chiliaquiles- A mini toastada chip with salsa verde, chicken, creme fraiche and cilantro The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Tequila Cocktail and Featured Taco Tubac Salsa, Co South Of The Border Roasted Chile Garlic Salsa- Hot- Roasted chile pepper traditional salsa with a kick of spices Tangy Avocado Ghost Pepper Salsa- Unique flavors of fresh avocado, lime and cilantro with a nice kick of ghost pepper Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Mojito Margarita- Green apple boba, Resort-grown mint and Thai basil Tuna Taco- Avocado crema, Arizona lime bubbles, fresh cilantro & shaved serrano peppers YWCA Tucson Dragon's Breath- Roasted pineapple with Thai basil and Thai chili Corazon Salsa Verde- Tomatillo, poblano, anaheim peppers and cilantro 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge When: Sunday, September 1, 2019 - 6 PM (VIP Admission) / 7 PM (General Admission) Where: La Encantada Shopping Center - 2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 Tickets: $55 General Admission - $85 VIP Admission (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. The Community Food Bank is a proud member of Feeding America, a nation-wide network of food banks and hunger relief organizations. Tucson Premium Outlets and Southern Arts & Cultural Alliance continue their creative collaboration that brings free, weekly music to Tucson. Don't miss some of Southern Arizona's finest local musicians at Tucson Premium Outlets this Fall and Winter. A creative collaboration between Tucson Premium Outlets and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, the family-friendly concerts bring opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talents to the community.
The popular free concert series, held every Saturday evening September 7 – December 28 will feature a variety of weekly performances from local musicians and bands. The concerts will be held each Saturday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Mountain Court at Tucson Premium Outlets. Coupled with delicious food from Market Hall and over 60 stores offering extraordinary savings, the evenings provide the perfect outing for the whole family. "Events like these are exactly what Mountain Court was designed for, and we are thrilled to welcome families out to gather and enjoy the space as it gets cooler in the evenings," said Amy Lee Hunter, Director of Marketing and Business Development with Tucson Premium Outlets. "We have an excellent lineup of performers that we can't wait for our shoppers to enjoy. While at the center, shoppers can sign up to be a VIP and receive additional savings on top of already discounted prices at their favorite stores like Coach, Guess, kate spade new york, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors, Sunglass Hut and more!" The concerts are a creative collaboration between Tucson Premium Outlets and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, creating opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talents to the community, impacting local economic development, and providing community exposure to the arts. Performance Lineup: September 7 Jacob Acosta Band (Southwest Folk Pop and Southern Rock) Jacob Acosta has been a national performing artist in Arizona for over a decade. He has worked with legendary producer, John Vanderslice, been featured on NPR, and played dozens of festivals across the U.S. Since 2008, Acosta has released 12 records in the styles of blues, indie-shoegaze, pop, deep house, americana, and folk under his own name as well as with Mason, HYTS, Roll Acosta, and Race You There. On his newest release, Desert Sounds, Acosta performed and recorded piano, voice, guitar, timpani, keyboards, bass, and auxiliary percussion. Acosta also recreates and arranges his musical masterpieces live as a looping soloist and a full band. Desert Sounds is a cinematic ode to the Southwest desert with a collection of musical stories that pay tribute to Arizona and the greater Sonoran region. September 14 ROH Band (Variety show that’ll rock your socks) ROH Band is a six piece band that has been actively performing in Tucson since 2005. They bring a diverse variety of music and entertainment in many genres of music including Classic Rock, Blues, R & B, Funk, originals, and classic hits from the '60s to today. They bring great female and male vocal energy and their passion for music comes across in their dynamic live performances. September 21 OnesAll (Funk-Rock) OnesAll is a dynamic funk/rock band from Tucson, AZ. This band, featuring a family of musicians, has opened for headline classic rock bands to progressive jazz artists. The band entertains its solid fan base by fusing thick, funky grooves, tight vocals and exciting rock sounds in inspiring cover and original music. September 28 Heather Lil’ Mama Hardy (Blues and Soul) Heather Hardy has been playing the violin for 46 years. During her long career, she has studied at the Manhattan School of Music under Raphael Bronstein as well as with well known Jazz violinist and author, Julie Lyonn Lieberman. Heather was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2001 and Tucson Musicians Museum in 2016. This recognition was certainly influenced by her 20 year collaboration with Sam Taylor, Jr., a legendary blues artist who was inducted into AZ Blues hall of Fame in 2000 as well as the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2006. Currently based in Tucson, her most recent CD release is "Heather Lil' Mama Hardy LIVE in Tucson". October 5 Adam Townsend (Pop) Adam Townsend is an old soul, and draws inspiration heavily from soul, Motown, blues and folk music. Originally from Tucson, he spent six years honing his craft of songwriting, performing, and producing in San Diego. Now back in Tucson, you'll find him playing at many popular locations around Arizona and Southern California. With his debut album "All My Fires", Adam is presenting a culmination of 10 years of songwriting and inspiring stories about his life and passions. Inspired by his contemporary and classic pop and soul musical inspirations, Adam spent a month in Nashville, TN recording at the legendary Bomb Shelter Studio where he realized his lifelong dream of producing a full length album. October 12, 2019 Way Out West (A Musical Celebration of the Southwest Borderlands) Way Out West calls their music "Bordergrass," a blend of Western Swing, Bluegrass, and Mexican border sounds. They cover classic songs by Roy Rogers, Marty Robbins, and Bob Wills as well as their own original compositions that are well-written, fun, and danceable. They have performed in Germany, Switzerland, and England and the American Southwest. They have five studio CDs to their credit. Please join Way Out West for an energetic, enjoyable evening under the stars. October 19 Wendy and the Boys (Multi-Genre Covers) Grab your dancing shoes and all your friends because you’ll want to move and groove to the sounds of Wendy & The Boys – Tucson’s classic cover band featuring your favorite Motown songs to classic rock, pop, and country. Six seasoned musicians will take you on a trip down memory lane playing your favorite tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s & ‘90s and much more, all while putting some pep in your step and a smile on your face. Plus, you never know…you might end up on stage singing with the band! October 26 Nick McBlaine & Logtrain (Bluegrass, Americana, and Swing) Alvin Blaine, Nick Coventry, Peter McLaughlin, and Evan Dain bring a blend of acoustic styles, with instrumentals and vocals reminiscent of the old time country and bluegrass bands, but with an unpredictable repertoire and spontaneous presentation that delight their audience. November 2 Whose Blues (Blues and Rock) Whose Blues offers a mix of blues standards, bluesified rock standards, and other cool songs that happen to fit our style. Featuring Bluesman Jim Nashu on guitar and vocals and ace harp player/vocalist Terrence Kelly (TK), the band presents a very accessible program. Drummer Rich Bonner keeps things in check and bassist Scott Lukomski bridges the rhythm. You'll hear upbeat danceable stuff and hardcore slow blues! November 9 Tiny House of Funk (Funk - Blues) Tiny House of Funk is ready to delight Arizona audiences with their unique, high-spirited blend of R&B, Jazz and Soul. Connie, Troy, Mike and Gary open up the door to their eclectic, yet comfortable musical house and welcome you in for a little “WD-40 for the hips.” November 16 Heart and Soul (Contemporary Rock/Pop with tons of soul) Heart & Soul perform an eclectic mix of current music with their own unique spin ranging from Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, to classics from Michael Jackson and some ‘80s music. They take the framework and bones of each song and make it their own. Throughout Tucson, they’ve been a longstanding favorite band for the past 10 years. November 23 Guitarras Latinas (Latin Fusion) Would you like to stroll the beaches of Brazil, dance the streets of Havana, and experience the electricity of Sevilla, all in one day? Guitarras Latinas takes you there, with an inspiring “musical tour” of Latin America. With beautiful flamenco guitars, spicy castanets, romantic vocals, and dynamic Latin percussion, Guitarras Latinas transports you to Venezuela, Old Mexico, the Andes, and more. No need to bring a passport! Join Guitarras Latinas and experience a cultural journey through Latin America. November 30 Eric Schaffer and the Other Troublemakers (Alt-Country/Americana) For the past 6 years, Eric Schaffer & The Other Troublemakers have been entertaining crowds throughout Arizona and beyond. With a musical style that flows between Country, Folk, and "Singer-Songwriter," they play a mix of well-crafted original songs, classic covers, and deep cuts, all of which feature their trademark two, three, and four-part harmonies. December 7 Carnivaleros (A melting pot of sonic chorizo gumbo) The Carnivaleros stir up a giant melting pot of sonic chorizo gumbo that combines moody Eastern European motifs and strains of Western movie themes along with quirky stories of the American experience laced with rhythms of Zydeco, Tex-Mex, and swing. Bandleader and songwriter Gary Mackender heads up the ensemble playing accordion, telling stories, and singing lead. Other musicians include Karl Hoffmann on bass along with a revolving cast of other great Tucson musicians. December 14 Desert Melodies (Winter and Holiday Favorites) Desert Melodies is Tucson's most eclectic cover group with an extensive repertoire that includes music from all decades and almost every genre. You can hear their Winter and Holiday performances every year at Tohono Chul, The Botanical Gardens, and Oro Valley Marketplace. December 21 Bryan Dean Trio (Funky Blues you can dance to!) Bryan Dean Trio offers more than good music; they are an experience. Even if you’ve seen them perform numerous times, no two shows are alike. The band believes in improvisation rather than exact repeats of the tunes to keep the audience captivated. They won the last Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation Blues Challenge. They advanced to the semi-finals when competing with 110 bands nationwide in International Blues Challenge. Each member is an honoree of Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, and Dean and Gilmore were inducted into Tucson Musicians Museum. They have opened for many international acts such as Kim Wilson, Coco Montoya, George Thorogood, and Dr. John. The band has three critically acclaimed albums: "Pink Elephant," "Sobriety Checkpoint," and "Live at Boondocks." They are currently working on their fourth release. December 28 Black Cat Bones (Blues & Rock) Tucson-based Blues and Rock five-piece band Black Cat Bones is making a name for themselves for their signature mix of classic blues and rock with R&B, featuring smooth vocals and blues jams. The band features Charles Pitts (vocals), Jeff Daniels (bass), Dan Laetsch (drums), Gary David (guitar), Richard Rivera (guitar). Fans of BB King and Johnny Winter will love this band. Concert schedule is subject to change. Please visit www.saaca.org for updates. Tucson Premium Outlets Concert Series When: Weekly, Saturday Evenings 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 Marana Center Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85742 Cost: Free Online: https://www.saaca.org/tucsonoutletsconcertseries.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. About Tucson Premium Outlets Tucson Premium Outlets features extraordinary savings of 25 to 65 percent off exceptional brands including: kate spade new york, American Eagle Outfitters, COACH, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Under Armour, and more. Enjoy the mountainous views of Arizona at the outdoor shopping center located in Marana, just off of I-10 at Exit 162. Shoppers can keep up-to-date on promotions, events, and general news by visiting the website www.premiumoutlets.com/tucson. The center also offers the VIP Shopper Club, a free membership-based club offering access to exclusive offers not available to the public. The VIP Savings Passport is also available digitally giving shoppers access to additional coupons and savings right from their phone. Please visit www.premiumoutlets.com/vip to sign up. About Simon Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and an S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit www.simon.com. Local artists are invited by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Roche Tissue Diagnostics to create artistic mammography capes for this inspiring art installation (TUCSON, Ariz) Roche Tissue Diagnostics and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance are joining forces with local artists to feature a community-driven art installation of locally designed and fabricated mammography capes. The exhibition, which is open to the public, will raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer screening and research. The exhibition titled, “Superheroes, Capes of Strength and Beauty,” and a silent auction, will raise funds for El Rio Health, a community-based health center that provides accessible, affordable, high-quality healthcare to more than 107,000 Tucsonans. This special exhibit opens in October, commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The mammography capes are used in El Rio Health by patients receiving mammograms, which is a low- dose x-ray that allows specialists to look for abnormal changes in breast tissue. The exhibit will feature 75 of these capes that have been altered, embellished, painted, quilted and otherwise re-imagined with no limit on materials or techniques used. The exhibit is designed to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, celebrate survivors and remember those we have lost. Seeking Artists: Roche and SAACA are seeking professional and amateur artists, community organizations and students interested in creating one of these unique art pieces. Suggested themes include superheroes, empowerment, survivorship and fashion/glamour. Transformed capes should take this practical garment and elevate it to represent the strength and stories of survivors and those fighting breast cancer. Amateur and established artists of all ages are invited to participate in the exhibition. To learn more and be provided with a complimentary cape to design, apply online at: https://saaca.formstack.com/forms/2019_roche_superheroes_capes_of_strength_and_beauty. All participants will be acknowledged in the exhibition program, and with an identifying placard onsite. About the Fundraiser: Roche will host a silent auction accompanying the opening of the exhibit on October 17, 2019. All displayed capes will have a starting bid of $100, with 100 percent of all funds raised to support El Rio Health Center Foundation’s breast cancer mammography fund for uninsured and underinsured patients. Select pieces will be chosen for display in El Rio Radiology Departments. Unsold pieces will be auctioned by El Rio or gifted to El Rio’s patients who are breast cancer survivors. Purchased capes will remain on display through the end of the exhibition. Opening Reception An opening reception will be held on October 17, 2019 at Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive, from 5pm to 7 p.m. First, second and third place winners will be awarded by an external jury of judges. Reception attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pieces and artists will be recognized with various awards at a ceremony. About the Gallery Roche Tissue Diagnostics, a world leader and innovator of tissue-based cancer diagnostic solutions for patients worldwide, is committed to its mission to improve the lives of all patients afflicted with cancer. In 2004, the company first made a commitment to the arts in Oro Valley with the establishment of a community gallery housed within their Oro Valley campus. Through a progressive partnership with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, arts have been part of the daily work experience through quarterly gallery exhibitions featuring local to world-renowned artists. The Ventana Gallery is open to the public by appointment Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call SAACA at (520) 797-3959 ext. 1. Forty-eight hours advance notice is required. Campus Exhibition Opening Reception Exhibition Dates: October 4, 2019 – January 7, 2020 Opening Reception: Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Where: Roche Tissue Diagnostics, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive Cost: Free Online: https://www.saaca.org/ventanagallery Phone: (520) 797-3959 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available About the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. ### 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge Returns to Southern Arizona on Labor Day Weekend8/13/2019
Attendees and Judges will Cast Votes for their Favorite Salsa, Tequila & Taco in Tucson Labor Day Weekend will set the stage for Southern Arizona's hottest largest culinary competitions as the 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge returns to La Encantada Shopping Center. On Sunday, September 1, over 40 of the regions most esteemed restaurants will battle for the title of best salsa, tequila and taco in Southern Arizona, as attendees and local guest judges cast their votes for their favorite bites and sips.
The 9th Annual event will welcome in over 1,000 attendees to the charming and spacious La Encantada Shopping Center to the heart of North Tucson. From tequila boba cocktails to smoked lamb tacos, attendees can expect a truly original collection of culinary samples throughout the night. Live musical and dance performances will add a cultural flair to the night with an assortment of ballet folklorico, Latin acoustic guitar, and salsa and cumbia music on the main stage to get you up and dancing. Art installations and live painting will accent the evening. This event celebrates the diversity of Southern Arizona's growing culinary community. Proceeds from the event will support the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming as well as the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona's efforts to end hunger. "81% of the Community Food Bank budget is supplied through donations which enable us to provide nearly 200,000 individuals with emergency food assistance throughout the year," said Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. "This event is an opportunity to build awareness and support for theincredible work that is being done in our region." Tickets for the 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge are on sale now. V.I.P. Admission Tickets are available for $85 and include 1 hour of early access to the event at 6 PM, as well as valet parking, a tequila toast and a commemorative shot glass. General Admission Tickets are also available for $55. Both ticket levels grant access to all of the participating restaurants and libations. New participating restaurants & exhibitors are being added daily. Current participants include:
9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge When: Sunday, September 1, 2019 - 6 PM (VIP Admission) / 7 PM (General Admission) Where: La Encantada Shopping Center - 2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 Tickets: $55 General Admission - $85 VIP Admission (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. The Community Food Bank is a proud member of Feeding America, a nation-wide network of food banks and hunger relief organizations. Original margaritas, live musical entertainment and interactive art installations were all combined for one incredible celebration on Friday, August 2 From cherry infused margaritas to chiltepin chocolate mudslides, each of the eighteen local participating restaurants that competed at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship brought their A-game to the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.
On Friday, August 2, a panel of local culinary experts, guest judges and attendees gathered to celebrate culinary creativity and crown a new Margarita Champion. All proceeds helped to benefit Tucson Originals Restaurants' efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson as well as the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming. 2019 Winners Judge's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Monsoon Margarita” 2nd Place: Casino Del Sol – “Fresa Rosada” 3rd Place: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa – “Pomegranate Ginger Margarita” People's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Benson City Grille – “Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Margarita” 2nd Place: Rigo’s Restaurant - “Grilled Pineapple Margarita” 3rd Place: Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Cherry Vanilla Margarita” Best Menu Sample Judge's Choice: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Chiltepin Chocolate Mudslide Sensation” People's Choice: Rigo’s Restaurant – “Traditional Carnitas Tacos” / Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Smoked Pork Posole” (TIE) The 14th Annual World Margarita Championship was held with the support of dedicated sponsors and partners, including: 2019 Sponsors & Partners: Tucson Original Restaurants Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa The Town of Oro Valley T-Mobile Cazadores Tequila Tucson Lifestyle Shamrock Foods Arizona Daily Star Fox 11 Comcast Cox Yelp Tucson Foodie Lyft Photos Available at: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Tucson Originals Restaurants Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. |
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