Our courageous editor Dan Gibson braved the elements on Saturday, Aug. 16 to participate as a judge in the Salsa and Tequila Challenge. He reported back to the office many delicious tequila cocktails, as well as unique paleta and food offerings. He was pretty happy, and it wasn't just the tequila that was making that happen.

Funds from the event went to the Southern Arizona's Art and Cultural Alliance Creative Arts Therapy Program, Food Bank of Southern Arizona and Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation scholarship fund.

Salsa Challenge Winners:

Best Traditional - JW Marriott Star Pass Resort & Spa

Chef Danny Perez for Salsa Helada

Best Hot - Armitage Wine Lounge

Chef Jorge Moreno for Habanero Mango Salsa

Best Mild - Hotel Congress

Chef Karl De La Ossa for Sweet Tomatillo Salsa

Best Alternative - Wilko

Chef Ian Sugarman for Kimchi by the Sea

Judges 1st Place Winner - Armitage Wine Lounge

Chef Jorge Moreno for Habanero Mango Salsa

Judges 2nd Place Winner - Hotel Congress

Chef Karl De La Ossa for Sweet Tomatillo Salsa

Judges 3rd Place Winner - Prep & Pastry

Chef Liz Delgado for Blueberry Jalapeño

People's Choice 1st Place Winner - Mouth of the South Salsas Co., LLC

Chef Andrea B. McGowan for INSANE

People's Choice 2nd Place Winner - Pima Community College, Culinary Arts

Chefs Linda Tandjung, Chelsie LaRochelle and Jesse Huggins for Drunken Pineapple

People's Choice 3rd Place Winner - Marriott University Park

Chef Adrian Castillo for Smokeless Fire

Tequila Challenge Winners:

Most Creative - Tucson Country Club

Mixologist Kevin Mikkelson for Cinnamon Sugar Cronut with Tequila Crème Liqueur Salted Caramel Milkshake

Best Presentation - Fini's Landing

Mixologist, Andrew Carlin for Smoke on the (Fire) Water

Judges 1st Place Winner - Pasco Kitchen and Lounge

Mixologist Ramiro Scavo for Father Kino

Judges 2nd Place Winner - Tequila Factory @ Casino Del Sol Resort

Mixologist Aaron DeFeo for A Fistful of Rupees

Judges 3rd Place Winner - Union Public House

Mixologist Patrick Malarchik for Paleta

People's Choice 1st Place Winner - Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain

Mixologist Mike West for Wild Burro

People's Choice 2nd Place Winner - Loews Flying V Bar & Grill

Mixologist Chase Henderson for Kumquat Tequila Sno-Cones

People's Choice 3rd Place Winner - Hotel Congress

Mixologist David C. Clark for El Santo

Best Menu Pairing - Blanco Tacos y Tequila

Chef Maria José Mazon for Machaca tacos

Best Tequila Vendor - 3 Amigos Tequila