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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. Original margaritas, delicious food pairings, live musical performances and People’s Choice Awards are all on the menu for Friday, August 2nd Enrich your night with the unique flavors of Tucson while supporting your community and local restaurants on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Original Restaurants are partnering again for this signature Tucson competition where over 15 local restaurants and chefs will battle it out for the title of “Best Margarita”. Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges will have the pleasure of crowning their favorites at the end of the evening.
The event will also feature live music throughout the night from the Nathaniel Burnside Duo (Flamenco Fusion) and live music in the Lookout Tucson Bar after the event by Five Way Street. Guests can also put their creative flair into an Interactive Mural created especially for this event by the Snoodman Art Collective, who will also be displaying their neon artwork. Artist Victor Navarro will be live painting onsite as guests stroll through the pop-up chalk mural gallery. World Margarita Challenge 2019 Participants & Menus: Benson City Grille at San Pedro Golf Course Featured Margarita: Cilantro, Lime, Jalapeno Margarita “Freshly muddled cilantro and jalapeno for a perfect margarita” Menu Pairing: Fresh, house made chips & salsa Bisbee Breakfast Club Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Casino Del Sol Featured Margarita: Fresa Rosada “Variation of a classic strawberry margarita” Menu Pairing: Guava Couscous Salad “Couscous salad with refreshing guava” Cazadores Tequila Featured Margarita: Jalapeno Margarita Chef Chic Featured Margarita: Brulee Grapefruit Jalapeno Margarita – “Spicy, tangy, citrusy margarita” Menu Pairing: Paloma Chicken Salad Cielos at The Lodge on the Desert Featured Margarita: Monsoon Margarita “Smoked guajillo and tamarindo, sugar lightning, blue agave clouds, lime raindrops caviar” Menu Pairing: Chiltepin Chocolate Mudslide Sensation “Spicy devil’s food cake, chiltepin sea salt, tamarindo gel, chocolate mud” Dante's Fire Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Dragoon Brewing Company Local Beer Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing - Mini Cupcakes “Gluten free cupcakes” Jarritos Non-alcoholic, Mexican soda Rigo’s Restaurant Featured Margarita: Grilled Pineapple Margarita “Grilled pineapple and tequila with a tajin and lime rim” Menu Pairing: Traditional Carnitas Tacos “Fresh pico de gallo and grilled pineapple” Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria Featured Margarita: Grapefruit Elderberry Margarita Menu Pairing: Savory Puff Pastry Square Tanque Verde Ranch Featured Margarita: Watermelon Mimosa Margarita “Fresh Watermelon, Cava Brut, Tajin Rim” Menu Pairing: Crispy Wonton Jalapeño Popper “Wonton cup, Jalapeño, Tomatillo Pico” The Dutch Eatery & Refuge Featured Margarita: The Reposado Margarita “Over 2 months in the making, featuring 5 different spirits and locally foraged and hand-crafted ingredients, this margarita is luxuriously made for sipping” Menu Pairing: Citrus Goat Cheese Mousse A bright and tart goat cheese mousse The Grill at Quail Creek Featured Margarita: Signature Margarita Menu Pairing: TBD Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Featured Margarita: Pomegranate Ginger Margarita “Hibiscus flower, bubbles & fresh mint” Menu Pairing: Pomegranate Smoked Shrimp Taco “Pickled chayote squash, jicama, fresh cilantro” Tickets for the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship are going quickly but are still on sale now for $60 (a 21+ event). Tickets include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors, as well as live music and entertainment. Proceeds from the event help to support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona as well as Tucson Original Restaurants efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson. World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM Where: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 Tickets: $60 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita 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. Tucson Originals 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. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals partner to showcase the culinary assets of Tucson and contribute to cultural development The Tucson Originals Restaurants will raise a glass to cocktail creativity and perfection behind the bar as they go head-to-head for a creative community cause on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship.
The competition, featuring refreshingly unique twists on the iconic cocktail, offers attendees the chance to indulge in over 20 expertly prepared margarita samples and food pairings. From smoked margaritas paired with crisp chocolate covered bacon to sesame and passion fruit infused margaritas with tequila cured salmon, once fans have explored each of the margaritas, they can vote for their favorite interpretation. The event will also feature live music, arts installations and a raffle throughout the evening. Raffle baskets include hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by community and event partners and tickets are on sale now for only $10 for 2 tickets and $20 for 5. "The participants at the World Margarita Championship go beyond a simple, classic margarita and transform them into masterpieces," says Mat Cable, Events Chair of Tucson Original Restaurants. "Using inspiration from local ingredients, stunning garnishes, great tequila, and Southwest flair, these inspired drinks are elevated into true works of art." A team of local celebrity judges will be on site to award one proud local restaurant with the title of “Best Margarita”. Previous 2018 award winners include: Judges Choice for Margarita 1st Place: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Hielo Verde Margarita 2nd Place: Fresco Pizzeria -- Bitter Orange Margarita 3rd Place: Lodge on the Desert Restaurant-- "Kiss Me Through the Foam" Margarita People's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Rigo's Restaurant -- Dragon Margarita 2nd Place: Chef Chic -- Purple Blossom Margarita 3rd Place: Guadalajara Mexican Grill -- Spicy Mango Margarita Best Menu Sample Judges Choice: The Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol -- Chiltepin & White Sonoran Wheat Salad People's Choice: Rigo's Restaurant -- Barbacoa Tickets for the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship are on sale now for $60 (a 21+ event) and include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors. Proceeds from the event help to support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona as well as Tucson Original Restaurants efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson. World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM Where: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 245 E Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 Tickets: $60 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: https://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.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. Tucson Originals 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. Original margaritas, outstanding food pairings, interactive arts experiences and live music are on the menu this Friday in Oro Valley for sold out event Attendees will celebrate local culinary diversity while supporting local restaurants and the arts at the 13th annual World Margarita Championship this weekend in Oro Valley at a sold out event. The event is a culinary collaboration between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, Tucson Original Restaurants and the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort and is one of Tucson Original Restaurants longest running community events. The festivities will kick off this Friday, August 10th at 6:00PM and guests will have full access to sample more than a dozen original Margaritas and menu pairings from over 20 Tucson Original Restaurants. Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges will have the pleasure of voting on their favorite entries, and winners will be awarded at the end of the evening.
Event entertainment will include a variety of arts experiences such as live dancing by Ballet Folklorico Tapatio and live music with Aztral Folk performing World Music, a mural gallery contributed by Arizona artists, live painting by Victor Navarro, painted bottle centerpieces created in partnership with Lucky Cat Social Art, and a raffle featuring art pieces, premium reserve bottles of Don Julio tequila hand painted by local artists, an El Conquistador Tucson, Hilton Resort package, a Top Golf package, a Tucson Originals Restaurants gift card package, and many more! The El Conquistador Tucson is set against the beautiful back drop of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalina Mountains giving guests a picturesque setting to enjoy an al fresco experience on the Don Julio Patio featuring the event's tequila sponsor Don Julio. All proceeds from the event will benefit Tucson Originals Restaurants and SAACA's Community Arts Programming, which includes Veterans Art Therapy, Creative Aging Programs, and provides opportunities for over 700 local artists each year. The 2018 World Margarita Championship Participants and Menus: Bisbee Breakfast Club Featured Margarita: Smoked Margarita - “Smokey, Smokey Margarita” Menu Pairing: Chocolate Bacon Chef Chic Featured Margarita: Purple Blossom -A zesty citrus ginger hibiscus margarita Menu Pairing: Spicy Sushi Roll with pickled slaw Dante's Fire Featured Margarita: Paradiso Margarita with Sesame Infused Don Julio, Homemade lime liquor, passionfruit puree, black salt rim Menu Pairing: Tequila Cured Salmon with Mexican Moonshine Vinaigrette, sliced mixed olives, Orange Love, avocado foam, tortillas El Cisne Featured Margarita: Flying Cisne- Tropical infused margarita Menu Pairing: Bacon-Wrapped Fried Avocado - Panko battered, bacon wrapped avocado El Molinito Featured Margarita: Ciscorita and Molinito Blue Elvira's Tequila + Cocina + Vino Featured Margarita: Pepino! Cool and refreshing for Tucson heat! Menu Pairing: Caribe Tacos - Breaded rockfish on jicama "tortilla" Fresco Pizzaria and Pastaria Featured Margarita: Bitter Orange Margarita Menu Pairing: Candied Orange Cannoli Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery & Bistro Featured Margarita: Minted Margarita -Classic drink with fresh organic mint Menu Pairing: Prickly Pear Margarita Cupcake (Gluten Free) Guadalajara Mexican Grill Featured Margarita: Spicy Mango Margarita Featured Menu Pairing: Table Side Salsa (Vegetarian) Kingfisher Menu Pairing: Kingfisher's Thai Red Curry Coconut Shrimp, Jasmine rice Cielos at the Lodge On The Desert Featured Margarita: "Kiss Me Thru the Foam" Watermelon, Citrus, Passion fruit Menu Pairing: AguaChiles De Tucson -Chile Spiked Chicano Ceviche (Gluten Free) Mama's Hawaiian BBQ Featured Margarita: POG Margarita - Passion fruit, orange and guava Menu Pairing: Macadamia Nut Lemon Square Rigo's Restaurant Featured Margarita: Dragon Margarita - Exotic Dragon fruit with Roca Patron and citrus Menu Pairing: Barbacoa -tender beef cooked with veggies Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria Featured Margarita: Fragola, Rocks -Strawberries, cucumber, basil, delicious Menu Pairing: Panzanella Fragola - A summer bread salad with strawberries Sundance Café Featured Margarita: El Conquistador Grande - Secret Family History Recipe Menu Pairing: Chef Steven's Taco Surprise (Vegetarian, Gluten Free) Tanque Verde Guest Ranch Featured Margarita: Hellfire Margarita - Don Julio, Serrano, Habenero, Peach Puree Menu Pairing: Corncake with Barbacoa & Roasted Jalapeno Crema Tequila Factory at Casino del Sol Featured Margarita: Hielo Verde Margarita - Classic Margarita with Frozen Sorbet Menu Pairing: Chiltepin + White Sonoran Wheat Salad - Whipped Goat Cheese & Prickly Pear (Vegetarian) The Dutch Eatery & Refuge Featured Margarita: Monzón Margarita - A Sonoran Desert Mesquite Margarita! Menu Pairing: duck a l'kumquat tacos - kumquat braised duck & slaw (Gluten Free) Thunder Canyon Brewstillery Featured Margarita: El Sabroso Guey - Bitters and spice and everything nice Menu Pairing: Smoked Brisket Taco - Smoked Brisket, Stout BBQ, Pickled Onion Trident Grill Featured Margarita: Perfectly Juicy Guava Margarita - A sweet lightly citrus margarita Menu Pairing: Habanero Carrot Carnitas Spicy - Carnitas tacos on flour tortillas Vero Amore Featured Margarita: Vero Amore's Italian Margarita - Italian Twist, Rosemary Infused Simple Syrup and the Sweet Accent of Limoncello Aperitif 2018 World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 10th at 6 PM Where: El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort 1000 N Oracle Road Tickets: TICKETS SOLD OUT Online: http://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 105 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available Tucson Originals Restaurants Tucson Originals Restaurants exemplify the independent spirit and the rich culinary heritage that is Tucson. Formed in 1999, the 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. They are your neighbors and friends who contribute endlessly to the betterment of our community. You will find them represented at countless charitable events and outreach efforts throughout the year. They are the first to give when there is a need. We hope you will give them your support and enjoy their offerings in return. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a nonprofit 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 both the young and the old. For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org. Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and Tucson Originals partner to showcase the culinary assets of Tucson and contribute to cultural development Local chefs and restaurants will put their best foot forward on August 10, 2018 at the El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort in Oro Valley, AZ to compete for this year’s first place at the 13th World Margarita Championship. A partnership between Tucson Originals Restaurants and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA), the event provides a unique experience for attendees to sample outstanding libation and food pairings from local, independent restaurants and vote for their favorite flavors.
Several community partners have come together to collaborate to make this event possible. The Tucson Originals Restaurants, who began the project over 13 years ago, partnered with the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance to present the event. In addition, El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort in Oro Valley, AZ as well as the Town of Oro Valley have come in to support the community project. The event’s purpose goes beyond entertainment, contributing event proceeds to their organizations’ guiding missions. “The World Margarita Championship is an opportunity for attendees to experience our region’s rich culinary heritage, while funding programming that helps foster our sense of place,” said SAACA Executive Director Kate Marquez. “The money raised by ticket sales are reinvested into programs that promote creativity and innovation right here in Southern Arizona.” The proceeds raised by SAACA will go toward programs such as visual and musical arts therapy for veterans and the Music and Memory Program. The event is a venue for participating restaurants to interact with an expected 800 attendees, serving a personal experience along with their menu offerings. Over 20 independent Tucson restaurants are expected to be represented. Tickets for the 13th Annual World Margarita Championship are $55 and include libation and menu samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors and are on sale now at www.SAACA.org World Margarita Championship When: Friday, August 10th at 6 p.m. Where: El Conquistador Tucson, a Hilton Resort 10000 North Oracle Rd, Tucson AZ 85737 Tickets: $55 and $70 day of the event Online: http://www.saaca.org/World_Margarita_Championshi.php Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 105 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 both the young and the old. Tucson Originals Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals Restaurants are the independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood eateries that make up our vibrant culinary community. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. By spotlighting local restaurants, distilleries, and breweries, Tucson Originals has been a driving force for protecting Tucson’s sense of place and preserving the culinary spirit of our community. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive |
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