James Beard-nominated chef Jose Contreras enjoys birria, despite the time and number of ingredients it takes to prepare.
“I mix it with burros and enchiladas, birria enchiladas,” said Contreras, who owns Amelia’s Mexican Kitchens.
“I think it’s one of my best flavors.”
Contreras is one of more than 30 chefs who will prepare a dish at Sabores de Tucson on Friday, May 2, at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive.
“It is an honor for me to be there and share my roots of Mexico,” said Contreras, who is keeping his dish under wraps.
Tickets benefit the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance (SAACA), which is hosting the event with Tucson Foodie and Tucson International Mariachi Conference. The event could be considered a tour of Mexico’s four regions.
Northern Mexico: Known for its grilled meats, flour tortillas and seafood, featuring carne asada, burritos and fish tacos. Contreras hails from Hermosillo in Northern Mexico.
Central Mexico: The birthplace of tacos al pastor, mole poblano and barbacoa, celebrated for its complex sauces and indigenous corn-based dishes.
Pacific Coast: A coastal haven of ceviche, aguachile, and slow-cooked birria, highlighting the region’s seafood-driven flavors.
Southern Mexico & Yucatán Peninsula: A showcase of rich indigenous traditions and tropical flavors, featuring cochinita pibil, tlayudas, and mole negro.
Da’Lice Shepard — SAACA’s marketing and programs director — called Sabores de Tucson “America’s Best Mexican Food Festival.”
“It’s going to be a really special event, that’s for sure,” she said.
“We are planning to create inside of La Paloma different hubs. When you walk into the Northern Mexico element of the event, for example, you’ll be greeted with art, music and chefs representing Northern Mexican signature dishes.”
Shepard added that local artists will create the food, artwork and music. Hosting an event like this elsewhere would be trying, she said.
This event really could not be successful anywhere else.
“It would be so inauthentic,” she said.
Another SAACA partner said Sabores de Tucson is tailored to Tucson.
“People travel here just for the food, and we've already been identified as a culinary destination as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States,” said Felipe Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Tucson, one of the festival’s underwriting partners.
“This event is the perfect way to celebrate our close ties to Mexico and showcase the authenticity of our region's food scene.”
The immersive experience will feature:
Live performances from Mariachi groups and traditional folk musicians from each culinary region.
Artisan markets with handmade crafts and artwork that reflect Mexico’s artistic heritage.
Engaging chef demonstrations and storytelling, providing insight into each dish's cultural and historical significance.
A VIP experience, including exclusive tastings, specialty libations, and lounge access.
Sabores de Tucson, America’s best Mexican food festival
WHEN:5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 2
WHERE: Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson
PRICE: Tickets start at $150
INFO: saaca.org
