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For Immediate Release: October 1, 2008
Contact:
Norma Gentry
(520) 318-9445
ngentry@pvinc.net
Excitement builds as Culinary Festival Nears
Tucson, AZ--The buzz is in the air and the countdown has begun. It is now less than 30 days until the 6th annual Tucson Culinary Festival kicks off with the World Margarita Championship on October 23rd, followed by an action packed weekend full of fabulous food, wine and fun. The World Margarita Championship was added to the Culinary Festival in 2005 and has become one of the most popular events of the weekend. The competition takes place Thursday, Oct. 23rd from 7-9pm at the Historic Train Depot, now called Maynard's Market ( 400 N. Toole). First time presenting sponsors of the Margarita Championship are; The Marinaterra Resort in San Carlos, Mexico and Cointreau - one of the ingredients used to make the original Classic Margarita in the 1930's.
The call for entries has been sent out and finalists who will compete for the Cointreau "World's Best Margarita" trophy are: The Flying V, Chad's Steakhouse, Cuvee, Pastiche, Jonathan's Cork, Papagayo, El Charro, The Lodge on the Desert, The Cup Café, Blue Fin and jaxKITCHEN. The battle ground is being prepped on the patio of the beautifully renovated historic Train depot. This year entrants must prepare a "Classic Margarita" using a combination of specific, pre-selected ingredients. An additional challenge has been added this year. All entrants will also need to create a non-alcoholic version of the classic, otherwise known as the "Virgin de Guadelupe" Margarita.
Guests will receive a "passport," which will be stamped by each participating restaurant in order to enjoy a one-ounce tasting pour of the Classic Margarita and light appetizers courtesy of downtown Tucson Originals restaurants including: Cup Café, El Charro, Barrio, Enoteca and Cafe 54.
A distinguished panel of judges will choose the best "Classic" as well as the "Virgin de Guadalupe" margaritas. Guest judges include: Ann and Paul Tuennerman, founders of the annual Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans, Jennifer English from the Food & Wine Radio Network, and Erin Williams, Cointreau Brand Ambassador.
Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in choosing a winner as their votes will be tallied for the "Best Margarita" in the coveted People's Choice Award.
To attend the World Margarita Championship, the cost per person is $35 and the event is limited to 300 people. Location: 400 N. Toole Date/Time: Oct. 23, 7-9pm
The full weekend roundup of events also includes:
Friday Oct. 24th- The Reserve Tasting 7-10 p.m. $145 per person
The Reserve Tasting will be held on the beautiful patio of the Canyon Café at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. This event will feature small production, boutique wines, with appetizers specially created by 14 Tucson Original Chefs to compliment the wines. This exclusive event is limited to 250 guests.
Saturday Oct. 25th- The Grand Tasting 6-9 p.m. $85 per person
The Grand Tasting will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Amazing food, wine and spirits will be served up all 40 Tucson Original member restaurants. A new component of the Grand Tasting this year is the "Grand Lounge". This chic and sophisticated lounge will offer Cointreau cocktail demonstrations and tastings from Cointreau mixoligist Erin Williams. Also returning this year is master mixoligist Tony Abou-Ganim to demonstrate and serve his tasty concoctions. The Grand lounge also features the popular cookbook signings and a silent auction filled with trips, wine and other culinary treasures.
Sunday Oct. 26th - "SUN" Day Brunch and The Copper Chef Challenge 11am-2pm $75 per person
The "closing ceremonies" begin at the Kiva Ballroom at Loews Ventana Canyon with the "new world" brunch cuisine of nationally renowned Chef Norman Van Aken ably assisted by Loews Ventana Canyon Executive Chef Marc Ehler. During Brunch, guests will enjoy the 3rd Annual Copper Chef event featuring Chef Jim "Murph" Murphy (King Fisher and Bluefin) challenging the 2007 champ Jonathan Landeen (Jonathan's Tucson Cork) for the title of Tucson's Copper Chef for 2008.
A portion of the proceeds from the 2008 Tucson Culinary Festival will benefit the Community Food Bank, New Beginnings for Woman and Children, and the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation.
For additional information on the Tucson Culinary Festival activities, weekend package ticket pricing and The Tucson Originals visit the website at http://www.tucsonculinaryfestival.com/ or call 520.488.8601. Please direct all press inquiries to Norma Gentry, 520-318-9445.
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