More than 750 guests filled El Conquistador Tucson on August 31 for the 13th annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge. The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance hosted the competition, celebrating food as art and cultural storytelling.
La Chingada Cocina and Lindy’s on 4th had strong showings with the judges, while Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen swept the people’s awards. This echoes their recent win at the 2025 World Margarita Championship.
Judges’ Awards
- Salsa
- 1st Place: Ranch House Grill & Brewery – Watermelon Serrano Salsa
- 2nd Place: White Stallion Ranch – Grilled Pineapple & Roasted Poblano Salsa
- 3rd Place: Lindy’s on 4th – Truffle Salsa Macha
- Tequila Cocktails
- 1st Place: La Chingada Cocina – Beso de Sandia Margarita
- 2nd Place: Dante’s Kitchen & Cocktails – Bikini Bottom Pineapple Yuzu Margarita
- 3rd Place: Saffron Indian Bistro – Tastes Like I’m Not Going to Work Tomorrow
- Tacos
- 1st Place: La Chingada Cocina – Taco Vaquero
- 2nd Place: Scratching the Plate – Conejo en Jardin
- 3rd Place: Lindy’s on 4th – Smoked Brisket Birria Mole Taco
- Specialty Awards
- Best Agave Spirit: Bacanora Cola Blanca – Bacanora Cola Blanca
- Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktail: VMC Paloma
People’s Awards
- Salsa
- 1st Place: Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – Verde Tatemada Salsa
- 2nd Place: Barnyard Crafthouse – Salsa Naranja
- 3rd Place: GAP Ministries – 90 Miles North of the Border
- Tequila Cocktails
- 1st Place: Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – Cucumpari Margarita
- 2nd Place: Tohono Chul Garden Bistro – Watermelon & Cucumber Tequila Smash
- 3rd Place: Saffron Indian Bistro – Tastes Like I’m Not Going to Work Tomorrow
- Tacos
- 1st Place: Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen – Al Pastor & Pineapple Taco
- 2nd Place: El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort – Octo Verde Taco
- 3rd Place: Humo Cocina Mexicana – Taco Rajas with Pollo
- Specialty Awards
- Best Agave Spirit: Breakthru Beverage – Don Julio 70th Anniversary
- Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktail: VMC Paloma
A Festival of Flavor
Live mariachi, folklorico dancers, lucha libre wrestling, and live painting filled the evening with color and culture. Each ticket sold helped fund SAACA’s programs, from arts therapy for veterans to creative aging in healthcare.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
