It's All About The Tequila

• Tequila is produced by distilling the juice of the the blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber) - in fact, by law, only this agave grown in certain parts of Mexico can be used to produce tequila (known as the protected Territory of the Appellation of Origin)
• Tequila is divided into two types - 100% blue agave, and tequila mixto (mixed). 100% blue agave tequila must be bottled in Tequila territory, while mixto blends blue agave with up to 49% other sugars (typically cane sugar), and can be bottled elsewhere around the world
• Tequilas are further classified by age:
• Blanco (Silver): aged for up to 2 months, blue agave spirit in its purest form
• Oro (Gold): Typically a mixto tequila with added flavorings and colors, used for "mixed drinks"; however, some Golds (known as Joven) can be blended with Reposados or Anejos to retain a 100% blue agave designation
• Reposado (rested): aged in wooden containers from two months up to one year. The result is a liquid that takes on a golden hue and the taste becomes a good balance between the agave and wood flavors
• Anejo (aged): a tequila that is aged for a minimum of one year, giving the spirit an amber color and complex and rich taste. Tequilas aged for more than 3 years are known as extra anejo tequilas, and alcohol content must be diluted with distilled water

  Photo by Rachel Saleen

Each competitor at the Margarita Championship has been assigned one of seven tequilas in a blind draw. Sponsoring products are Patron, Corralejo, Sauza Hornitos, Sauza Tres Generaciones, Cabo Wabo, Avian, and Milagro. While each mixologist is expected to bring a twist to his or her Margarita creation, at the end of the day the result should still be a Margarita. World renowned mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, a past judge at the Margarita Championship, says in his book The Modern Mixologist: "[The] spirit should make up the majority of your cocktail...so stay away from drowning your spirit in accoutrements. The Margarita, for example, should always be about the tequila; the Cointreau and fresh lime juice work to enhance the tequila's unique nuances, not to cover them up. The Margarita is, and should always be, a tequila drink - replace the spirit and it becomes something else altogether."

So if you haven't bought your tickets to this year's event, you better do so before it sells out. Take time to listen to the judges' critiques of the resulting creations, and enjoy samples of each competitor's creation to reach your own conclusion. Two winners will be crowned - a judges' pick and a people's choice. It's a great way to learn about and celebrate the heritage of the signature Southwestern cocktail, the Margarita! 

Openings

 Apple Farm Bakery & Diner, Tucson Mall, recently

Check It Out Hamburgers, 45 W Valencia, recently

Closings

Gourmet of China, 2544 S Kolb, October 10

Pizza Plus #1, 914 E Speedway, recently

Coming soon

Sir Veza's, 222 E Wetmore, late November 

Expanded hours

Kenny D's, a popular purveyor of Chicago style beef sandwiches and hot dogs at 8060 E 22nd, in now open at 7 am, serving breakfast until 9:30 am. Breakfast items include an egg and cheese sandwich for $2.80, and an egg and pita wrap for $2.50. Pastries, coffee and juices available also.

Upcoming Events

Culinary, Restaurant & Food Festivals in Tucson & Southern AZ

Coming up this week: Celebrating Food Day at the Santa Cruz Harvest Dinner.

Media Round-up 

News & blog articles from around the Web

Filling and Fine, review of Three and a Half Brothers Cafe, Tucson Weekly, October 13 

Considering Tucson's Underground Supper Clubs, Tucson Weekly, October 15