“Hot” is the best word to describe My Nana’s Salsa Challenge, which drew close to 25,000 people to Tempe Beach Park on Saturday. With 90-degree temperatures, no breeze and not a cloud in the sky, I saw a lot of sunburned attendees (including yours truly) sampling salsas from nearly 100 competitors.
Some salsas were hot, some were mild. Many competitors offered both. I tried about 20 and almost all were delicious. It would have been very difficult to pick a winner. (I declined an invitation to be one of the judges this year because I wanted to walk the grounds and just enjoy the day.)
The Challenge is a well-run, family-friendly event. Admission is $10, which includes as much salsa as you can eat. You could buy a beer or a margarita, but the beverage of choice for most attendees seemed to be bottled water, which conveniently was sold at many booths for just $1.
The only line I encountered was at the shaved ice booth.
Several restaurants were offering salsa, but most competitors were individuals, some of whom came from as far away as Texas (see twin sisters pictured above). The most elaborate booth was that of the Arizona Parrotheads, fans of musician Jimmy Buffet, where many were dressed as pirates.
Jeff Coronado, the 2007 grand champion, successfully defended his overall crown. Other 2008 winners were:
Individual (hot): 1. Lisa Timberlake, 2. Kay Mothershed, 3. Justin Earley
Individual (mild): 1. Jeff Coronado, 2. Kathy Pfister, 3. Amy Lorona
Business (hot): 1. Caremark, 2. National Factor Health, 3. Salsa Ranchera
Business (mild): 1. Caremark, 2. National Factor Health, 3. Enterprise Fleet Management
Restaurant (hot): 1. Dos Gringos, 2. Macayo’s, 3. Temple Bar Sports Grill
Restaurant (mild): 1. Macayo’s, 2. Dos Gringos, 3. JW Marriot Desert Ridge
Best of show: Arizona Parrotheads
Best booth: National Factor Health
People’s choice: Arizona Parrotheads ($2,603.84)
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Apparently there were only 4 restaurants.. seriously? Macayo’s salsa #1.. the judges must have been drunk.. I’m surprised.