Tucson, Ariz. (PRWEB) October 14, 2014
Frozen or on the rocks? The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Tucson Originals Restaurants and are teaming to showcase world-class margaritas in Tucson, Ariz. The organizations will present the ninth annual World Margarita Championship, Saturday, October 18, 6 p.m., at the Plaza Colonial Courtyard.
Top chefs from Tucson Originals Restaurants will pour re-imagined margarita recipes on a live stage to demonstrate their liquid prowess in friendly competition for the World Margarita Championship.
Four awards will be presented at the end of the evening – first and second place “World's Greatest Margarita” based on the votes of the judges and first and second place “People's Choice” award. The evening lineup includes live entertainment, a silent auction and carefully crafted food and beverage pairings from Tucson Originals Restaurants and Purveyors.
“Kitchen/chef work and mixology usually goes unseen by the general public,” said Jason Blackburn, manager at Tavolino Ristorante. “The live stage adds a level of excitement and interaction for patrons of this event.” Tavolino will join the impressive list of Tucson Originals Restaurants who will create signature margaritas for the panel of judges at the competition.
“Tucson Originals Restaurants is excited to partner with an amazing organization like SAACA to present the World Margarita Championship — an event that Tucsonans love and that draws people from all over the country. The chefs present incredibly innovative margarita creations and Tucson Originals Restaurants are rolling out beautiful food pairings for the event. This event gets bigger and more exciting every year,” said Sam Alboy, president of Tucson Originals Restaurants and owner of Mamas Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue.
Interest in the World Margarita Championship has grown dramatically in the nine-year history of the event. Tequila, one of the key margarita ingredients is only produced in Mexico — a southern neighbor to Tucson. While there will be exotic variations on the basic margarita recipe, all competing mixologists must include the ingredients of a "classic” margarita — tequila, a sweetening ingredient, a tart citrus ingredient and an orange component.
Admission includes margarita and food sampling ¬– early bird tickets are $45 until Oct. 17 and $55 on the day of the event.
World Margarita Championship
When: Saturday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m.
Where: Plaza Colonial, southwest corner of Campbell Avenue and Skyline Drive
Tickets: $45 until Oct. 17 and $55 day of the event
Online: http://www.saaca.org
NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available
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Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance
The Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, 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 both the young and the old.
Tucson Originals Restaurants
Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals Restaurants is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive.