The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is proudly partnering with Tucson Original Restaurants and the Hilton El Conquistador to produce the annual World Margarita Challenge on October 6th in Oro Valley.
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Get ready to sample more than a dozen original Margaritas and food samplings from your favorite Tucson Original Restaurants. Attendees and an esteemed panel of judges will have the pleasure of voting on their favorite entries, and six winners will be awarded at the end of the evening.

More than twenty restaurants will participate in this year's contest from a variety of food categories. There will also be a raffle that will include over $2,000 in gift cards and gift baskets. Music by local mariachis will open the evening and artists will be live painting during the event.

The Hilton El Conquistador is set against the beautiful back drop of Pusch Ridge and the Santa Catalina Mountains giving guests a picturesque setting to enjoy the al fresco experience of the Don Julio Patio, tequila sponsor. Don Julio will also be sampling drinks as guests on the ballroom patio.

The 2017 World Margarita Challenge Participants Include*:

Abuela's Cocina Mexicana
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Brother John's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Cielos
Dante's Fire
The Dutch Eatery & Refuge
Epazote Kitchen and Cocktails
Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery & Bistro
Lotus Garden Restaurant
Mama's Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue
Monkey Burger
Monsoons Tap & Grill
The Original Mama Louisa's
Pastiche Modern Eatery
Le Rendez Vous Bistro and Restaurant
Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria
Tequila Factory
Trident Bar and Grill
Twisted Tandoor

*Please note this list will continue to grow as additional participants are added to the event.

Additional exhibitors include the Consulate of Mexico, Local First Arizona, Art by Eli and Victor Navarro Art.

An after-party with drink and dining specials will be held at Epazote Kitchen and Cocktails with live music following the conclusion of the event.

2017 World Margarita Championship
When: Friday, October 6th at 6 PM
Where: Hilton Tucson El Conquistador 1000 N Oracle Road
Tickets: $55; $70 day-of-event
Online: http://www.saaca.org/worldmargarita.html
Phone: (520) 797-3959

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available 

About 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.
 
For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, go to www.saaca.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - ​The band was hot and the drinks were tangy. Restaurants from across Tucson brought new life to the classic margarita as they battled for the title of World Margarita Champion. From vegetable infused to a bacon garnish these cocktails were anything but traditional.
 
On Friday, September 30th, a panel of local culinary experts, as well as the event attendees, voted for their favorite margaritas paired with small bites including Sonoran shrimp ceviche from Bisbee Breakfast Club, Kobe beef tacos from Casino Del Sol, and Seafood Albondigas from Kingfisher Bar & Grill to name just a few.