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July 3, 2023 – The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance is bringing the Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge back for the first time since 2019. This 10th annual competition, in partnership with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, features over 30 participants from some of Tucson’s finest chefs, mixologists, and culinary businesses at the Hilton El Conquistador on August 26, 2023. They will contend for the title of best salsa, tequila, and taco in Southern Arizona as attendees and local celebrity judges cast their votes for their favorites.

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. Tequila infused popsicles, sno-cones, and mixed drinks will surprise attendees with refreshing colors, while kimchi, blueberry-jalapeno and “Smokeless Fire” salsas will spice up their palettes. Once attendees have tried each of the samplings, they can vote for their favorite. Live music and dance performances will also be the highlight of the night with an assortment of mariachi, folklorico, Mexican pop and more. Raffle baskets include hundreds of dollars in prizes donated by community and event partners; tickets are on sale now for only $10 for two tickets and $20 for five.

2019 WINNERS 
Judges’ Choice for Traditional Salsa  
1st Place: Casino Del Sol – Salsa Molcajete  
2nd Place: Peppersauce Kitchen – Roasted Pepper Salsa  

Judges’ Choice for Alternative Salsa  

1st Place: The Gallery Golf Club – Pepita Salsa
2nd Place: Café Botanica – Smoked Nopal Salsa with Lemon

Peoples’ Choice for Salsa  
1st Place: Santiago’s Kitchen – Salsa Santiago

2nd Place: Café a la C’Art – Roasted Salsa Negra  

3rd Place: American Mexicano – House Chunky Red Salsa

Judges’ Choice for Tequila Cocktail

1st Place: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa – Mojito Margarita

2nd Place: Ritz Carlton Dove Mountain – The Copperhead

Peoples’ Choice for Tequila Cocktail

1st Place: Benson City Grille – Cilantro Jalapeno Lime Margarita  
2nd Place: The Lodge at Ventana Canyon – Mango Tamarind Tequila Cocktail

Judges’ Choice for Taco

1st Place: Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco

2nd Place: Santiago’s Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco  

Peoples’ Choice for Taco

1st Place: Santiago’s Mexican – Seared Short Rib Taco   

2nd Place: Peppersauce Kitchen – Garlic Chicken and Arugula Taco

Tickets for the 10th Annual Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge (a 21+ event) are on sale now for $80 (General Admission) to $100 (V.I.P.) and include salsa, tequila, and taco samplings from participating restaurants and purveyors. V.I.P. ticketholders will be able to attend the event at 5 PM, whereas General Admission ticketholders are granted access at 6 PM. Proceeds from the event help support the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's (SAACA) creative arts programs throughout Arizona.

Salsa, Tequila, & Taco Challenge    
When: Saturday, August 26, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. 
Where: Hilton El Conquistador, 10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

Tickets: $80 - $100 (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry)  
Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.html  

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request 

HILTON EL CONQUISTADOR TUCSON
10000 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704

When you think of the Southwest, windswept mountains, wildflowers, fiery-red sunsets and a deep-rooted desert culture spring to mind and nowhere is this soul-stirring tableau captured more spectacularly than at the El Conquistador Tucson. Let us surprise you with the pristine beauty of the Sonoran Desert, introduce you to indigenous cultures, and inspire you with authentic flavors, experiences and unforgettable moments. Named "Best Experiential Hotel" by Hotel Interactive ® Lodging Industry Elite Awards and recognized as a Top 52 Hilton Hotel by Forbes, El Conquistador Tucson invites you to escape and experience the colors, textures, and singular details of our uniquely Southwest resort.
https://www.hiltonelconquistador.com

STAY & PLAY PACKAGE
Stay and Play at the Hilton El Conquistador 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

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.