The votes are in and the 5th Vancouver Foodster Taco Challenge crown has been decided. Over the past weeks, public and a panel of media judges, including myself, have been tasting and voting for our favourite tacos.
As with other Vancouver Foodster challenges, chefs were invited to be as creative as they like in order to highlight an already existing menu item or they could create a completely unique dish for their Taco Challenge entry.
For the 5th Taco Challenge, six chefs wrapped up their take on tacos, resulting in a great diversity of flavours to sample. The tacos were served at eight different eateries from all across the region, from Chilliwack to Richmond and downtown Vancouver. The public was encouraged to try any or all the Taco Challenge entries and then vote on Vancouver Foodster’s website for their favourites to be crowned People’s Choice Taco. The media judges were also busy trying all the selections to choose the Judges’ Choice Winner. Maizal Restaurant topped both polls with their Ebi Chamois, a creative combination of Mexican and Japanese flavours.
Maizal: Ebi Chamoi
Japanese Mexican fusion, Tempura prawns with a mango salsa and umeboshi glaze, all on top of a hibiscus tortilla.
The other entries in the 5th Taco Challenge were (random order):
Las Tortas: El Campechano
Grilled Sirloin Beef & Chorizo, mixed with bits of crunchy chicharron & nopalitos (cactus leaves), on a bed of refried black beans in a Chipotle Tortilla, topped with sweet habanero mango crema, queso fresco, & pico de gallo.
La Catina: Gobernador
Shrimp, melted Oaxaca cheese, peppers and onion, topped with a chile de arbol Sinaloa style salsa.
Hopcott Meat: YeeHaw Taco
Ancho chili marinated, shredded, chicken topped with cowboy caviar, cilantro crema and pickled onions on a whole wheat tortilla.
Hugos Churros: Meatless Taco
Papas con chorizo vegano, serrano cashew crema, avocado, grilled corn, lemon-pickled onions, cilantro.
Patron Tacos & Cantina: Caribbean Vibes
Green plantain tortilla, topped with tilapia chicharrón seasoned with spices, cilantro aioli, topped with mango/habanero/cucumber chutney, garnished with green & red bell peppers.
Visit vancouverfoodster.com to find out the top three winners from each category.