Motley Brews hosted its third annual Hopped Taco Throwdown at Zappos Headquarters’ backyard in Downtown Las Vegas, a venue typically closed to the public, on Saturday evening. The festival offered unlimited samples of over 100 craft beers and an assortment of tacos, showcasing the creative skills of some of Las Vegas’ top chefs in a culinary competition.
Demonstrating innovative culinary skills and vying for the title of “Hopped Taco Champion,” chefs from across the city competed in a fiery taco competition with three categories: Hopped Taco, for best-beer-infused taco; Taco Loco, for most creative taco; and Taco Dulce, for best dessert taco.
This year’s competitors included Chef Adam Pusateri from Cut and Taste, Chef Chris Bulen from Andiron Steak & Sea, Chef Bryan Forgione from Buddy V’s Ristorante, Chef Oscar Amador Edo from EDO Gastro Tapas & Wine, Chef Marc Marrone from Graffiti Bao and Pina by Graffiti Bao, Chef Roy Ellamar from Harvest by Roy Ellamar and more.
The 2019 winners of the Hopped Taco Throwdown competition include:
- Matt Meyer from Served with “The Pickled Mick” for “Best Hopped Taco”
- Chef Phillip Dell with “The “Original” Pork Star Taco!” for “Most Creative Taco Loco”
- Matt Meyer from Served with “Tropic Like It’s Hot” for “Taco Dulce”
Motley Brews brought together local and regional breweries to complement the event with endless samples of craft brews, including local favorites Crafthaus Brewery, Joseph James Brewing Company, Inc., Lovelady Brewing Company, Ellis Island Brewery, Tonopah Brewing Company, Big Dog’s Brewing Company and more. Guests posed for a photo booth and enjoyed entertainment and various wall art installations provided by Zappos throughout the evening.
About Motley Brews:
Founded in 2010, Motley Brews was created for locals, breweries and brew fans alike to share great libations in a true local setting. Motley Brews develops beer-centric festivals and events throughout the Southwest, including San Diego, Las Vegas and Pasadena, Calif. Motley Brews’ annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, founded in 2011, is Nevada’s largest craft beer festival. Motley Brews supports local non-profits with every event, raising more than $125,000 to date. More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.
PHOTO CREDIT: Beau Caldwell