SOUTHERN ARIZONA
salsa, tequila &
taco challenge
OVER 70 COMPETING RECIPES | SALSA | TEQUILA | TACOS | LIVE MUSIC | CULTURE
Saturday, august 26, 2023
Cocktail craft and culinary creativity are taken to a new level at the 10th Annual Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance’s Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge. salsa, tacos, and mixed drinks will surprise attendees.
More than 700 attendees support the community while attending this fun event to sample and vote for the best salsa, tequila and tacos in the region from participating mixologists and chefs. Attendees will experience culture at its finest; combining the culinary arts, live music, and entertainment that highlights the strength and diversity in our community. Join us for one of the most colorful summer “foodie” events in Southern Arizona.
The event will distribute awards from professional judges as well as People's Choice Awards in over 15 categories to participating restaurants and exhibitors.
Many chefs and mixologists came to the table to win culinary supremacy, but they are also there to support important charitable causes in the community. This creative collaboration combines resources to help raise monies for SAACA community arts outreach programs and local programming outreach by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
More than 700 attendees support the community while attending this fun event to sample and vote for the best salsa, tequila and tacos in the region from participating mixologists and chefs. Attendees will experience culture at its finest; combining the culinary arts, live music, and entertainment that highlights the strength and diversity in our community. Join us for one of the most colorful summer “foodie” events in Southern Arizona.
The event will distribute awards from professional judges as well as People's Choice Awards in over 15 categories to participating restaurants and exhibitors.
Many chefs and mixologists came to the table to win culinary supremacy, but they are also there to support important charitable causes in the community. This creative collaboration combines resources to help raise monies for SAACA community arts outreach programs and local programming outreach by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
event timesVIP Hour 5PM-6PM
General Admission 6PM-8:30PM |
locationHilton El Conquistador
10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 |
admission$80 General Admission
$100 VIP |
PARTNERS
LOCATION
eL CONQUISTADOR TUCSON,
|
stay & play package
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Stay and Play at the El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort for only $150 plus tax, per night. Call 1-888-370-0980 to make your reservation. Use Group Code: SAA826
To reserve any suite, accessible room or if you or your guests have any questions, please contact Elicia Robles at 520-544-1155 or Elicia.Robles@Hilton.com |
TICKETS
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT
VIP ADMISSION TICKETS
VIP TICKETS $100/EACH
ENTRY TIME 5PM
Includes 1 hour early entry into the event at 5 PM, Valet Parking, Tequila Toast and commemorative shot glass plus all General Admission access. Only 150 tickets will be sold. ($100 Each)
ENTRY TIME 5PM
Includes 1 hour early entry into the event at 5 PM, Valet Parking, Tequila Toast and commemorative shot glass plus all General Admission access. Only 150 tickets will be sold. ($100 Each)
TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS
GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $80/EACH
ENTRY TIME 6PM
Tickets include libation, and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Includes access to live entertainment all night. ($80 Each)
ENTRY TIME 6PM
Tickets include libation, and menu samplings from 30 local professional and emerging restaurants and chefs, with custom salsa and tequila cocktails in over 15 categories. Includes access to live entertainment all night. ($80 Each)
GET INVOLVED
- Volunteer at the event REGISTER HERE
- Participate as a featured chef, restaurant or culinary partner REGISTER HERE
- Become an event exhibitor and sponsor CONTACT US
- Donate an item to the event raffle DONATE HERE
PERFORMERS & EVENT EXPERIENCES
At the center of the Presidio Ballroom a larger than life wrestling ring will host some of Southern Arizona's most colorful Luchadores along with a traditional Mariachi band. Three different Lucha Libre matches will decide which wrestlers will take home the title of Salsa, Tequila, or Taco champion. Mariachi Herradura de Tucson are a community treasure, featuring some of the regions finest guitarrón, vihuela, violin, and trumpet players. The 10-piece band is the perfect soundtrack for an evening of Mexican inspired food and drinks. Phoenix artist Jesse Perry, who is known for his colorful and bold Sonoran style, will also be live painting during the event.
CHEFS & CULINARY PARTNERS
WINNERS
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2023 CHALLENGE WINNERS
People's Choice 1st Place Salsa El Rustico Salsa Nortena con Chicharrones People's Choice 2nd Place Salsa Goyita's Hot Salsa People's Choice 3rd Place Salsa Tucson Tamale Company Colette's Medium Judge's Choice, 1st Place Salsa Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Amelia's Molcajete Salsa (TIE) Dante's Fire Habanero Mango Passionfruit Salsa (TIE) Judges' Choice, 2nd Place Salsa Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Roasted Salsa Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Salsa El Rustico Salsa Nortena con Chicharrones People's Choice, 1st Place Tequila Cocktail The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Margarita People's Choice, 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail Dante's Fire "What's Up Doc?" Carrot Margarita People's Choice, 3rd Place Tequila Cocktail Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom Charred Margarita Judges' Choice, 1st Place Tequila Cocktail Saffron Indian Bistro Spicy Sonoran Desire Judges' Choice, 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail The Hacienda at the Canyon Strawberry Jalapeno Shrub Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Tequila Cocktail The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Margarita (TIE) Dante's Fire "What's Up Doc?" Carrot Margarita (TIE) People's Choice, 1st Place Taco Fork & Fire Smokehouse + Taproom Smokehouse Brisket Taco People's Choice, 2nd Place Taco El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Dulce de Leche Taco People's Choice, 3rd Place Taco Seis Kitchen Chilled Shrimp Taco Judges' Choice 1st Place Taco El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort Dulce de Leche Taco Judges' Choice 2nd Place Taco Dante's Fire Pork Belly Taco Judges' Choice, 3rd Place Taco Amelia's Mexican Kitchen Amelia's Quesabirria Taco People's Choice, Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting Canción Tequila Reposado Judges' Choice, Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting Borderland Spirits Batuq Bacanora Reserva |
2019 CHALLENGE WINNERS
People's Choice 1st Place Salsa Santiago's Mexican Salsa Santiago People's Choice 2nd Place Salsa Cafe a la C'Art Roasted Salsa Negra People's Choice 3rd Place Salsa Americano Mexicano House Chunky Red Salsa Judge's Choice, 1st Place Traditional Salsa Casino Del Sol Salsa Molcajete Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Traditional Salsa Peppersauce Kitchen Roasted Pepper Salsa Judge's Choice, 1st Place Alternative Salsa The Gallery Golf Club Pepita Salsa Judge's Choice, 2nd Place Alternative Salsa Cafe Botanica Smoked Nopal Salsa with Lemon 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 Cocktail Judge's Choice 1st Place Tequila Cocktail Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa Mojito Margarita Judge's Choice 2nd Place Tequila Cocktail Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain The Copperhead 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 Judge's Choice 1st Place Taco Peppersauce Kitchen Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco Judge's Choice 2nd Place Taco Santiago's Mexican Seared Short Rib Taco Grand Reserve Tequila Tasting 1st Place Roger Clyne's Mexican Moonshine Tequila Reposado Most Creative Display Santiago's Mexican |
2023 Raffle winners
Brenda Patt
Celeste Gambill
Chelsea Pannell
D. Gilbert
Jacqueline Coward
Jeff Matthews
Mandy Roberts
Michael Craig
Niz Coles
Tara Davis
Toni Reding
Jason Warner
Celeste Gambill
Chelsea Pannell
D. Gilbert
Jacqueline Coward
Jeff Matthews
Mandy Roberts
Michael Craig
Niz Coles
Tara Davis
Toni Reding
Jason Warner