Nothing cries “summertime hors d'oeuvre” like corn tortilla chips paired with a fresh salsa. From the more traditional salsas roja and verde to the more experimental mango and chipotle concoctions, we San Antonians know our salsas–and we know them well.
This Saturday, July 20, our salsa knowledge will be put to the taste test as San Antonio’s Department for Culture & Creative Development (DCDD) teams up with Market Square to host a salsa making contest. Registration to compete is now closed, committing 11 versatile food-permit holding contestants (the only requirement other than a registration fee, which some obtained solely for the event).
The competition’s panel of judges will be composed of both public and professional guest judges, leaving no room for technique-biased opinions. Evaluations will be based on the full flavor of the contestant’s salsa, the infusion of their ingredients, preparation tactics, and presentation.
The judging is open to all varieties of flavor (sweet, spicy, savory, etc.); the only requirement is everything has to be made from scratch and on-site. Meaning, nothing store bought or pre-made can be included in a competitors salsa–everything must be fresh and original.
The contest will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., allotting all participants ample time to perfect their savory sauce. Concluding the competition, first, second and third place winners will be selected awarding all three a $250, $100, and $50 cash reward, respectively. Typical of Market Square, live music (from 12 to 7 p.m.), local food stands, and over 20 artisan and craft booths will be scattered throughout the premises as the contest takes place.
Prepare your taste buds for a tasty indulgence this Saturday, and bring your notepads ready to jot down any and every salsa recipe you take a liking to.
Market Square, 514 W. Commerce, (210) 207-8600