LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The lineup of breweries and competing tacos for Saturday's Hopped Taco Throwdown has been announced by Motley Brews.
The third annual experiential event will be held at Zappos Headquarters’ backyard in downtown Las Vegas on June 8 from 8 to 11 p.m., with early entry beginning at 7 p.m. for VIP guests.
Saturday's throwdown will include endless craft brew samplings throughout the evening from top local and regional breweries, according to an event press release.
Beer highlights this year will include Big Dog’s Underbite IPA and Big Dog’s Cucumber Lime Lager from Big Dog’s Brewing Company; Silver State Blonde and Zitrone Gose from CraftHaus Brewery; Salted Caramel Rauchbier and Citra Rye Pale Ale from Joseph James Brewing Company; Brooklyn Bel Air Sour and Brooklyn Brown Ale from Tonopah Brewing Company; Juicy Hazy IPA and Hop Rising IPA from Wasatch Brewery; and more.
Chefs will also step out of their culinary comfort zones and compete to earn the title of “Hopped Taco Champion” in one of three categories: Hopped Taco, for best-beer-infused taco; Taco Loco, for most creative taco; and Taco Dulce, for best dessert taco.
The menu highlights this year include the following:
Served, Tropical Fruit Cocktail Taco, featuring chef Matt Meyer
Cut and Taste, featuring chef Adam Pusateri
Ghostrider IPA Carne Asada Taco: a Ghostrider IPA-marinated carne asada taco with hopped aioli, pickled cabbage slaw and Fresno chili pepper
Grapefruit Ahi Tuna Taco: ahi tuna taco with grapefruit ponzu, jicama slaw, mint crema and micro basil
Andiron Steak & Sea, featuring chef Chris Bulen
Mi Pajaro Feliz: stout-infused confit chicken mole with cotija crema, pickled Fresno chili pepper, cabbage and lime
La Segunda Venida de Dulce: Tajin-marinated fruits with a sweet corn tostada, cherimoya guacamole and dark chocolate cocoa nibs
Esther’s Kitchen, featuring chef James Trees
I’m Quacking Up: stout-infused duck mole taco
Lick ‘em All: beef lengua al pastor with crispy shrimp
Buddy V’s Ristorante, featuring Chef Bryan Forgione
El Guapo’s Taco: wood-grilled steak with chili-ale salsa, quesa fresco and hopped pico de gallo
The Italian Stallion: Porchetta with hot vinegar peppers and pecorino on a focaccia taco
Both general admission and VIP tickets are available for the 21+ event, which includes endless tacos and craft beer samples.
General admission tickets are available with prices starting at $60 and VIP starting at $85. VIP tickets include one-hour early entry at 7 p.m. and upgraded glassware for sampling brews.
More information about the Hopped Taco Throwdown is also available here.
