Taco Festival

[uhockey]

Perhaps not the "right" place for it here on the board as I'm not trying to put together an event/gathering, but it is an event/gathering so....

To anyone who has been, is it worth it, or is it just a big crowded mess with sloppy presentations like many other food festivals?

[Skillet Doux]

Perhaps not the "right" place for it here on the board as I'm not trying to put together an event/gathering...

Exactly the right place!

(Haven't been, so that's all I can add )

[andrewknoc]

To anyone who has been, is it worth it, or is it just a big crowded mess with sloppy presentations like many other food festivals?

I missed the full experience last year, but based on my experience the previous year, I'd say it's worth it if you're looking for a party atmosphere and lots of not-so-serious food. You'll want to arrive early, like "before the doors open" early, and unless the list of participants has changed significantly from last year, don't plan on trying more than half-a-dozen vendors - most, frankly, aren't worth the effort.

That said, it's a fun place to drink cheap tequila and munch on tacos and make fun of drunk people.

[azhotdish]

That said, it's a fun place to drink cheap tequila and munch on tacos and make fun of drunk people.

Very similar to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival - get loaded, eat mediocre food and make fun of drunk people.

[DTyda]

I'm totally biased by saying all this because I put the event on, but I disagree that the food is mediocre: This year, Roka Akor will show people how they do tacos. Last year, James Porter did foie gras on a crepe shell. Barrio Cafe did fried grasshoppers (which were salty, but delicious!). And many more options beyond that. Green will be there! Milagro, the Four Seasons, Distrito, Westin Kierland, Tonto ... check out the list: http://aztacofestival.com/teams/

But overall, remember, you're talking about tacos. They're meant to be casual. If you don't like crowds, then I would say that NO Festival is right for you. Honestly, tacos draw a crowd and that's the fun of it.

Unlike what Andrew says about cheap tequila, not only is Don Julio the event sponsor (which is good stuff!), we have 30 brands of tequila in a tent pouring over 100 types. You get 10 1/2-ounce samples for $20. For a connoisseur, this is a great opportunity to try a bunch of great stuff.

The event was previously crammed into a 2 acre dirt lot with no parking. Now it's on 5 acres of grass with tons of parking. The event staff has got this thing down to run smooth, and the taco vendors will be open all day(s). So getting there early is not necessary. But it all comes down to the food. I kinda don't get the mediocre statement when you're eating a $2 taco from Camelback Inn... But that's just me.

If you'd like to try it out at half price ($6 entry) all you have to do is wear a sombrero! We hope to see you all. Cheers!

Thx for listening!

[azhotdish]

I'm totally biased by saying all this because I put the event on, but I disagree that the food is mediocre

To be clear, I was referring to SCF when I said "mediocre". Hell, mediocre is pretty generous if we're talking about the "Picnic" portion only.

I've never been to the Taco Festival - only the BBQ festival (and that was the first year with crazy lines). Sounds like you guys have a good lineup this year.

[Skillet Doux]

I'm totally biased by saying all this because I put the event on...

Welcome to the board, DTyda!

Though I'm sure defending your festival isn't how you'd prefer to jump in, thanks for being agreeable about it and being straight about your affiliation with the event.

Please don't hesitate to stick around and talk grub with the crowd!

[DTyda]

No worries - actually hadn't seen the site 'till a Google alert came up about Taco Fest. Dig it.

We're working our asses off trying to make this event a national draw that AZ can be proud of, and that's a steeply uphill battle. Just trying to make sure folks know that we in no way want a drunk-fest filled with crappy food. And also that people like our judges, Andrew K. is one of them, help further the mission statement of, well, celebrating the taco as one badass food category.

[erinsvoice]

If you haven't gotten tickets for the AZ Taco Fest yet, Voice Daily Deals Phoenix has a deal running with them right now - $12 for a pair of tickets that you can use on Saturday or Sunday (not both days though, gotta pick one). http://bit.ly/PXBVEy

Based on what I've heard people saying about the Fest on Twitter, it's a pretty well-run food festival - no horrible lines or extra fees for parking. Just FYI!

[Skillet Doux]

Thanks for the info, Erin... and welcome to the board!

[cactuschowdah]

Ok you twisted my arm. Me and The Official Girlfriend of Cactuchowdah will be there on Sat.

[andrewknoc]

We're working our asses off trying to make this event a national draw that AZ can be proud of, and that's a steeply uphill battle. Just trying to make sure folks know that we in no way want a drunk-fest filled with crappy food. And also that people like our judges, Andrew K. is one of them, help further the mission statement of, well, celebrating the taco as one badass food category.

Onward and upward, David!

I briefly forgot that the event will be at a different location this year, so take my previous statement w/ a big grain of salt - it'll likely be a significantly different experience from years past with more space/grass/ample parking.

[uhockey]

uhockey - grassroots growing the board by asking innocent questions.

[cactuschowdah]

Gonna bump this sucker back up again- anyone going on Saturday?

[AZScott]

I'll be there Saturday judging and hopefully hanging out with some friends afterwards. David Tyda and Rick had their last AZ BBQ Festival at Salt River Fields and it's definitely a nice facility that has a lot more room than the downtown Scottsdale location. I think they also learned some valuable lessons about how to lay out such a large site at that event and I'm really interested to see how this one goes off considering each one has gone better and better.

[Chase]

Fingers crossed for you guys... hopefully it can be a positive experience this time around.

[uhockey]

When I saw the number of places that don't generally make tacos competing I decided to take a pass on this 'event.' Would rather just go somewhere that makes good tacos and eat them there than fight a crowd.

[andrewknoc]

When I saw the number of places that don't generally make tacos competing I decided to take a pass on this 'event.' Would rather just go somewhere that makes good tacos and eat them there than fight a crowd.

I walked around a good bit, and tho Saturday was a bit warm, Sunday had a great vibe. Some lines, but not packed like the last two years. I think Salt River Fields has hit its stride in holding events, tho to be fair I arrived really early and didn't have any hassle with parking or getting in. The bar scene was really bad, the luchadores entertaining, and the music ok.

In terms of food: the tacos submitted to the competition were (generally) different from those served to the public, but I definitely need to check out Four Seasons and Milagro Grill as soon as I can look at a damn taco again (so much food). Arcadia's Milagro Grill in particular cleaned house: https://twitter.com/MilagroGrillAZ/stat ... to/1/large

[luvchampagne]

Had a blast on Saturday at The taco Festival. It was my first year attending and it was crowded but entirely fun. Probably wouldn't attend if I didn't have VIP tickets because it was hot out but there was a tent that fully covered you in VIP. Can't beat open bar w/ super amazing bartenders. Definitely will try to taste more tacos next year. One big party! And I love my partying!