Thoughts on the Margarita Challenge

by T. Newcombe

Photography by Bill Bell

I am convinced that no margarita, no matter how delicious, is worth 3000 pesos. Obviously someone disagrees because the Exotic Category Margarita prepared by Hinde and jaime’s most serious cocktailologist Patty Hueso produced just that. 3000 hard earned

pesos. And the “losing bid” garnered Patty’s second margarita for 2900 pesos.

OMG. That works out to 5900 per blender for a few ounces of booze and a little crazy lime juice.

Now don’t get me wrong. Patty’s margaritas are delicious as everyone knows. But 3000 pesos? Was it her smile? Her well thought out music? Her pyroactive performance? Who knows? The truth of it is that according to those who tasted her two concoctions (me included), was that they were a  solid no non-sense margarita. IT WAS THE performance and presentation however, that put Ms. Hueso over the top.

The Margarita Challenge is into its 7^th year. The restaurant packs in about 200 people for a reasonable 200 pesos per person which includes the dinner.  After the crowds have been fed a delicious meal, the entertainment, the mixologists begin to blend their favorite margaritas. The blender produces 3 small margaritas - one for each of the judges – and two jumbo size glasses to auction off to the crowd.

There are two categories; exotic and classic. The three judges led by Bill Bazooka evaluate each contestant using a dozen or so criteria including performance. The challenge has seen belly dancers to magicians. Kids dancing to mini skits. Then the jumbo margaritas are auctioned to the crowd. In 2009 one drink was auctioned for a record setting, unbelievable 1500 pesos.

I digress. This year was all about Patty.

A bit nervous? Oh yes. Patty started out quickly glancing at her family’s table and then back down to cutting the limes and pouring the tequila and secret ingredients. But it was when the music started that this young woman transformed from a first time contestant into a confident performer. Oh yes she got the crowd clapping “Old time rock and roll….Music that sooths your soul”

The pyro stunts began. Her assistant Xavier started heating up the booze so it would light up easily. Flashing neon green ice cubes were placed into each of the glasses. Pyramids of glasses blinked and were drowned in alcohol. Then Fire. A volcano of fire. Of margaritas. Whoo whoo!

And the winning bid was 3000 pesos;  for a margarita made by a La Penita young woman on her first attempt to wow the Margarita Challenge. While I still wouldn’t pay 3000 pesos for one drink, I certainly understand why someone ( probably someone less Canadian than I)  would do so.

The event is very entertaining. One half of the money goes towards feeding the less fortunate. The other half goes towards an elementary school. This particular school is building a special needs classroom – a very much needed rarity in this neck of the woods.

Always loved Jim Williams and wife Bonnie have consistently run a great event that gives great value in terms of food and entertainment. The Pina Colada Restaurant is a solid venue and even in the torrential downpour, delivered hundreds of delicious meals on time. Jims says it is his committee of tireless workers that makes the event run as smoothly as a well a great concocted margaritas. He deflects all compliments and kudos to the 20 or so team of tireless workers.

The other winners? Delma from Latitude 21, Val and Chris from, well,,,Val and Chris. And of course Rubin from David’s Place. All are great players and sound participants. But this year’s challenge was all about Patty. Fire and Rain. Volcanos of glasses and rock and roll.

The Howell boys Jimmy and David along with Jim Williams give a special salute to their father Robert Howell

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