Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.
Hungry? Well do we have a treat for you! Check out how you can taste-test the finest in tacos and tequila...
Thousands of tacos and tons of tequila…do I have your attention? Well, this Saturday, October 15th is the 2nd annual Arizona Taco Festival at the Scottsdale Waterfront.“It’s a crazy, insane, taco-fueled party,” said David Tyda.
Tyda launched the taco fest last year, and it was such a tasty success, he’s brought it back for round two. More than 40 teams are showcasing their culinary skills cooking up an array of tacos galore.
“Last year someone served duck tacos in a French crepe and another team created fried cricket tacos—they were salty and crunchy,” said Tyda.
Intrigued? Well, if crickets aren’t your cup of tea, don’t fret—there will be plenty more choices to choose from.
Yep, everything from Valley residents to high-profile people are competing in the taco extravaganza, even amateurs, curb-side taquerias, and fancy resort chefs. The teams paid $300 to secure their spot, being judged in one of four categories including chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. However, if they paid some extra dough, they can qualify to win prizes for best salsa or guacamole, and even an anything goes category.
“I love the anything goes category. People get very creative.”
Creative is an understatement considering many teams offer dessert options, like 2010’s chocolate tacos with apples and ice cream. (YUM!) And the best part of all—every taco costs only $2.
“It’s a total party. We’ll have two live bands and a bunch of booze.”
Ah yes, the booze. Who could forget to mention this year’s tequila tent—an area featuring more than 30 brands of the alcohol. For $10, you’ll be admitted inside scoring your taste-buds 10 samples of mini shots. Margaritas will also be flowing all day long.
“We’re expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. It will be a blast.”
A total blast, especially for the judges. Tyda arranged for 50+ judges to critique the tacos based on taste, texture, and presentation. The big winner will walk away with $7,500.
“We scouted judges and put them through a certification course.”
You’ll also witness a Hot Chile Pepper Eating Contest and Lucha Libre Wrestling, in addition to celebrity cooking demos from Food Network Star and Elements’ Executive Chef-Beau Macmillan, Top Chef Winner Stephanie Izard, Alex Stratta from Alex and Stratta at the Vegas Wynn Resort, and local restaurateur and chef Aaron May. And if you’re a high-roller, you can fork out $100 to get a spot in Macayo Restaurant’s VIP tent with an open bar and unlimited grub.
The day’s even is surely a reason to salud.
For more information, visit www.aztacofestival.com
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