The sparks will fly as an all-star crew of San Antonio and Austin restaurants clash during the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance’s (SAFWA) first annual Taco Rumble on Thursday, July 15, 7:30p.m. to 10pm., presented by H-E-B. Tickets for the sure-to-sell-out event are up for grabs at $65. (San Antonio Food and Wine Alliance, 2021)

The sizzling competition, the first in-person event for the recently formed nonprofit, will be held at The Espee, conveniently located east of downtown San Antonio. Formerly known as Sunset Station, this historic spot was a central connection on the Southern Pacific Railroad’s Sunset Limited train route and the filming location of Selena’s “No Me Queda Mas” music video.

Some of the state’s most acclaimed restaurants will turn up the heat in celebration of one of Texas’ most beloved dishes. Firing up the comal will be San Antonio favorites ¡Bucho! Tejano Street Fare, Carnitas Lonja, Chela’s Tacos, La Fonda de Jaime 2.0, La Generala, Jason Dady Catering, Lala’s Gorditas, Milpa, and Naco Mexican Eatery. Representing Austin will be Asador, Carnitas El Guero, Eldorado Taco y Torta Co., Paprika, R19 Taqueria, Texsueño, Trill Foods, and the Austin Taco Mafia — a collaboration between acclaimed Central Texas taquerías Cuantos Tacos, Discada, La Tunita 512, and Nixta Taqueria, an Austin Food & Wine Alliance grant winner.

Adding a little sweetness to the rivalry, three of San Antonio’s favorite dessert shops, Bakery Lorraine, Lick Honest Ice Cream, and Paletería San Antonio, will provide refreshing treats. The dazzling evening will also feature a raucous live set from popular San Antonio entertainer DJ Catwalk.

An esteemed crew of celebrity judges, including Texas Monthly Food Editor Pat Sharpe, San Antonio Express-News Food Critic Mike Sutter, Latin Grammy Award-nominated musician Gina Chavez, San Antonio-based blogger and influencer Stephanie Guerra, and Texas Eats host David Elder of San Antonio’s KSAT. Event attendees also will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite taco as part of the final score.

In addition to showcasing the best in taco craftsmanship alongside an impressive selection of wines, craft beers, and premium spirits tastings, Taco Rumble will also feature a unique VIP experience that includes early entry from 6:30p.m. to 7:30 p.m., a stainless-steel YETI wine tumbler, and access to an exclusive agave spirits lounge, with bites from celebrated San Antonio restaurant Cuishe and tastings of fine tequilas and mezcals from Heavy Métl Premium Imports and Patrón Tequila. The Taco Rumble VIP experience is $150, and only 100 passes are available. Tickets are expected to sell out and are available for purchase now.

Taco Rumble is a fundraiser for the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the culinary nonprofit dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the South Texas food and beverage community. SAFWA is the culmination of 34 years of pride, innovation, and talent that reflects the unique culinary landscape of the great state of Texas. Beginning with the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival—one of the nation’s longest-running food fests with 26 years—the organization transitioned to the Austin Food & Wine Alliance in 2011 to be the sole beneficiary of the Austin Food + Wine Festival. In 2020, the nonprofit formed a statewide organization and expanded throughout Texas’ major cities, including San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.

Proceeds from the signature tasting event will help SAFWA give back to the local culinary community through a vibrant grant program for chefs, farmers, artisan producers, and nonprofits by funding projects focused on culinary innovation that supports the community.

The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Central Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary- and community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to support, inspire, and showcase Texas and beyond through the power of our diverse culinary communities.