Winners Announced from the 2019 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge

Signature summer culinary event helps raise proceeds for the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s final culinary event of the summer brought in over a thousand attendees to indulge in the best salsa, tequila & tacos that Southern Arizona has to offer. The 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge featured food and drink samples from 42 local restaurants, breweries and distilleries all competing for the ultimate Judges' and People’s Choice titles in multiple categories.

As attendees enjoyed everything from green apple boba mojitos to seared short rib tacos, this signature culinary fundraiser helped to raise proceeds for the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s creative community arts programming, as well as the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona’s efforts to end hunger.

A beautifully choreographed performance from Ballet Folkorico La Paloma kicked off the event, Santa Pachita took the main stage throughout the night, keeping the dance floor moving despite a little bit of rain, while the Troy Gray Duo brought a bit flamenco guitar flair to the Citrus Courtyard.

Judges and attendees cast their votes throughout the night for their favorite bites and sips. The competition was tight with many restaurants pulling ahead by only a handful of votes.
 
The judges panel contributed their foodie expertise to select the outstanding winners. The panel included: 

Michael McDonald – Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Executive Director
Beth Frantz – Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, CFO
Adam Lehrman – Tucson Foodie, Founder
Francisco Castro – Arizona Bilingual, Mariachi Herradura de Tucson, Music Director
Miguel Heredia – Lodge on the Desert, Executive Chef
Enrique Gómez – Consulate of Mexico in Tucson, Head of Mission
Mat Cable – Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, Owner & Executive Chef
CJ Hamm – Saguaro Corners, Executive Chef
Ken Foy – Dante’s Fire & Culinary Graduate Food Truck, Owner & Executive Chef

2019 Salsa, Tequila & Taco Winners:  

Salsa:

• Judges' Choice 1st Place Traditional Salsa – Casino Del Sol – Salsa Molcajete
• Judges' Choice 2nd Place Traditional Salsa – Peppersauce Kitchen – Roasted Pepper Salsa
• Judges' Choice 1st Place Alternative Salsa – The Gallery Golf Club – Pepita Salsa
• Judges' Choice 2nd Place Alternative Salsa – Café Botanica – Smoked Nopal Salsa w/Lemon
• People’s Choice 1st Place Salsa – Santiago Mexican – Salsa Santiago
• People’s Choice 2nd Place Salsa – Café á la Cárt – Roasted Salsa Negra
• People’s Choice 3rd Place Salsa – Americano Mexicano – House Chunky Red

Tequila:

• Judges' Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail – Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort – Mojito Margarita
• Judges' Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail - Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain – The Copperhead
• Judges' Choice Reserve Tequila – Roger Clyne Mexican Moonshine – Tequila Reposado
• People’s Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail – Benson City Grille – Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Margarita
• People’s Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail – The Lodge at Ventana Canyon – Mango Tamarind Tequila

Taco:

• Judges' Choice 1st Place Taco – Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco
• Judges' Choice 2nd Place Taco – Santiago's Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco
• People's Choice 1st Place Taco – Santiago's Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco
• People's Choice 2nd Place Taco – Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco

2019 Southern Arizona Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge 
When: Sunday, September 1, 2019 at 7:00pm. 
Where: La Encantada Shopping Center, northwest corner of Skyline Drive and Campbell 
Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.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.

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.