°µÍø³Ô¹Ï’s World Margarita Championship will feature pineapple-habañero-candied bacon margaritas, smoked beef cheek tacos, mole-stuffed apples and other delectables.
And it’s on Father’s Day weekend, so if Dad likes tequila and wildly innovative tastes, a ticket could be the right gift.
The 18th annual event, sponsored by SAACA and °µÍø³Ô¹Ï Originals Restaurants, features chefs and restaurants competing for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards for Signature Margarita and Best Bite. Attendees vote for their favorites.
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and °µÍø³Ô¹Ï Originals Restaurants host the annual World Margarita Championship.
The championship is held at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa, 7000 N. Resort Drive, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.
Ciaran Wiese from Agustin Kitchen at a previous World Margarita Championship.
Participants:
Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar: Margarita: Mr. Pepino — infused cucumber tequila with pineapple; food: quesabirria — slow-cooked braised beef quesadilla. Gluten-free.
People are also reading…
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ: Margarita: BroJo’s Smoked BBQ Margarita — pineapple, habañero and candied bacon; Food: pork belly tacos with homemade corn tortillas. Gluten-free.
Westin La Paloma: Margarita: Fruit De La Passion — tequila, passion fruit, lime, agave and habañero; Food: rojo & verde salsa — red and green salsa. Vegetarian.
Westward Look: Margarita: Sonoran Candy — smoky, sweet and desert-inspired heat; Food: quesabirria tacos — crispy birria tacos with bold flavor. Gluten-free.
The Garden Bistro at Tohono Chul Park: Margarita: Spicy Pomrita — pomegranate, lime, Cointreau, jalapeño and agave; Food: Chul beef barbacoa yaco with pico de pájaro — simmered beef in corn tortilla with pico. Gluten-free.
Those attending the World Margarita Championship on June 14 will get to sample nibbles from an array of °µÍø³Ô¹Ï Originals restaurants.
Scratching the Plate: Margarita: Pomegranate de Tigre — a sweet spin on leche de tigre; Food: molé Manzana — hibiscus-brined apple stuffed with mole. Gluten-free.
St. Cruz Restaurant at The Leo Kent: Margarita: Ancho Rosa Margarita — deep robust Southwest flavor; Food: chile IPA braised pork — rich flavor of toasted chile and malt. Gluten-free.
Humo Cocina Mexicana: Margarita: Humadera — mango with cucumber and jalapeño; Food: mole enchilada bites with chicken. Gluten-free.
Bashful Bandit Barbecue: Margarita: A-Maize-Arita — tallow-washed tequila and elote liqueur; Food: smoked beef cheek tacos.
GAP Kitchen: Margarita: Grilled & Chilled Margarita — grilled lime sorbet and prickly pear salt; Food: fried guac & duck totopa — fried guacamole with confit duck nested.
Reforma Modern Mexican. Mezcal + Tequila: Margarita: Pepino Picante — spicy cucumber and jalapeño.
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen: Margarita: Margarita del Sol — spicy, piña, coco and Aperol; Food: shrimp mango ceviche.
Highwire: Margarita: Hibiscus Margarita — a bold, vibrant take on a classic drink.
The Royal Room: Margarita: Coconut Margarita; Food: cheezy tots. Vegetarian.
Borderland Spirits: Offerings: An exclusive portfolio of artisanal Bacanoras — rare, small-batch agave spirits that showcase the bold, smoky flavors of Sonora, Mexico.
Casa Asada TaquerÃa y CervecerÃa: Offerings: Authentic Sonoran taquerÃa offering traditional thick-cut steak tacos, tostadas and fresh aguas frescas.
Dirty T Tamarindo: Offerings: Authentic array of Mexican candies made here in °µÍø³Ô¹Ï — dried mango, dirty worms and rim dip.
Charred Pie: Offerings: Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria featuring wood-fired pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts.
Cielos at Lodge on the Desert: Offerings: Contemporary, seasonal cuisine that pays tribute to Southwest ingredients, complemented by classic craft cocktails featuring local spirits.
Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea: Offerings: Craft hard tea brewed in °µÍø³Ô¹Ï, combining black and hibiscus tea, lemon, organic agave and distilled spirits.
Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails: Offerings: Family-owned scratch kitchen offering fine food in a casual atmosphere, featuring craft cocktails and an award-winning menu.
Maynards Kitchen & Bottle Shop: Offerings: Known for offering a curated selection of wines, craft cocktails and gourmet dishes in the center of downtown °µÍø³Ô¹Ï.
Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria: Offerings: Renowned for Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas.
Whiskey Del Bac: Offerings: Award-winning American single malt whiskey distilled in °µÍø³Ô¹Ï.
Art experiences included
Ballet Folklorico Los Mextucaz; DJ David Jimenez and Humphouse Media; Emcee Frank Powers; Live painting by Jesse Perry, Donovan White; strolling entertainment with Dr. Penguin (magician), The Prophet (Luchador Wrestler); Classical guitar performance, VIP Lounge, Eduardo Costa; live music poolside, Miguel Melgoza (pop/soul).
Tickets
Tickets are $80 for general admission, which includes libation and menu samplings from local °µÍø³Ô¹Ï Originals Restaurants and Purveyors; or $100 for VIP, which includes early admission, a welcome tequila toast, and a private closing dessert reception with live music. Ten percent off tickets with discount code SAACA. 21 & Over Event. Tickets are expected to sell out at: .
All proceeds support SAACA community arts outreach programs and °µÍø³Ô¹Ï Originals restaurants.
