2018 Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge Winners Announced

Outstanding food and drink were served while raising money for needed community programs in Southern Arizona. 

The rain this past Sunday evening did not chase the fun away. The 8th annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge once again wowed attendees with amazing flavors and inventive culinary creations, while the band kept the crowds dancing late into the evening.

With more than 1,000 attendees, 38 participating restaurants, chefs, brewers and distillers and nearly 70 recipes judged, the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge brought a rainbow of Southwest inspired dishes and spirits to the La Encantada Shopping Center.

As attendees enjoyed the appetizing offerings of some of Tucson’s best restaurants, this signature culinary fundraiser raised much needed funds for nonprofit, the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance, as well as support for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Over 70 entries were evaluated, contributing in both special judged and People’s Choice categories. Selecting a favorite was particularly difficult among each of the brilliant contributions of savory and sweet delights.

The sounds of Mariachi Herradura and duo, Cool Breeze set the festive tone by opening the evening on a high note, while the headlining performance by Zona Libra kept the party going.

The judges panel contributed their foodie expertise to select the outstanding winners on Sunday night. The panel included:

Special thanks can be provided to each of our contributing professional judging panel.

Sandra Cannett - Fat Tucson Owner & Content Creator

Andi Berlin - Arizona Daily Star Writer & Digital Media

Mark Whittaker - Tucson Weekly, Chow Food Writer

Melissa Stihl - Tucson Foodie, Writer

Michael McDonald - President, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Lea Peterson - President Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Laura Oldaker - Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Ricardo Pineda - Mexican Consulate

Blanca Ramirez - Traditional Mexican Chef

Chef Ariana Olivias - Chef Chic

Natalie Morris - Local First Arizona Director of Food Initiatives

Chef Mat Cable - Fresco Pasta & Pizzeria & Tucson Originals

Kim Fernandez - SAACA Board of Director

Celestino Fernandez - University of Arizona

And the winners are:

Taco Awards

Judge's Choice 1st Place -- Tequila Factory – Tecate Traveling Taco

Judge's Choice 2nd Place – The Living Room -- Chilaquiles

People's Choice 1st Place -- El Coronado Restaurant - Birria Taco

People's Choice 2nd Place -- The Grill at Quail Creek - Pork Belly Taco

Tequila Awards

Judge's Choice 1st Place – Cruz Del Sol Tequila -- Cruz Resposado Tequila

Judge's Choice 2nd Place -- 3 Amigos – 8 Year Extra Anejo Tequila

People's Choice 1st Place – The Lodge at Ventana Canyon -- Berry White

People's Choice 2nd Place -- 3 Amigos – 8 Year Extra Anejo Tequila

Salsa Awards

Judge's Choice Traditional Salsa 1st Place -- Crossroads Restaurant -- Tomatillo Salsa

Judge's Choice Traditional Salsa 2nd Place— The Grill at Quail Creek – Brasas Salsa

Judge's Choice Alternative Salsa 1st Place -- Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain -- Sweet Mango Chile Salsa

Judge's Choice Alternative Salsa 2nd Place -- The Tequila Factory -- Fruit Pico de Gallo Salsa

People's Choice Salsa 1st Place -- Angie's Kick Ass Salsa -- Hot Salsa

People's Choice Salsa 2nd Place -- Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain -- Sweet Mango Chile Salsa

People's Choice Salsa 3rd Place -- Angie's Gourmet To Go - Fire Roasted Tomato Mango Habanero Salsa

Display Award

Judge's Choice Most Creative Display -- Rigo's Restaurant

The Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge is a fundraising event to benefit the presenting nonprofit organizations. All proceeds that are raised through ticket sales are invested into programs that provide foundational support to the communities' well-being.

The partnership between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona began nearly nine years ago in a collaborative fundraising effort aimed at partnering to create a signature community event.

The Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge also promotes local businesses in a lively environment by connecting attendees with local restaurants. Guests will have access to taste samples from many restaurants in one location while personally interacting with the chefs and mixologists that create the recipes they are tasting. At the end of the evening, awards will be presented to the event champions in over 15 categories.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available

Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and 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.