United Way’s Rebecca Ricks had a tough job ahead of her — taste-testing tacos at the 10 Bellingham-based restaurants that signed up to take part in the nonprofit’s inaugural Tastiest Taco Competition.
Sarcasm aside, “Honestly, it was a dream,” said Ricks, development and communications manager at United Way of Whatcom County.
Ricks was responsible for initially contacting the eateries and getting them to take part in the food-focused rivalry happening Sept. 25 through Oct. 16. Funds raised will benefit the 501(c)3 nonprofit’s mission of creating financial stability for all in the community.
“Some places I already frequented, other places I hadn’t yet gone,” Ricks said. “Through putting the event together, I’ve now tried all their tacos. I’m keeping my favorites under wraps for now, but there are some heavy contenders.”
Diners can find their own wannabe winners during the three-week competition by purchasing booklets for $25. The booklets get participants access to one free taco at each venue — all of which chose a signature menu item to highlight (seven of the 10 offer a vegetarian option, but otherwise there are no substitutions).
Those who visit every eatery will have the chance to earn prizes through a raffle, and everyone who takes part will be able to cast a vote for their top choice. The winning restaurant will get bragging rights, a gift card and “some other fun stuff,” Ricks said.
At Tadeo’s Mexican Restaurant, suadero (beef brisket) tacos are on the menu. Ay Chihuahua Cantina will be serving carnitas tacos, as will Lilia’s Mexican Cuisine — which will also have a veggie offering.
Pork and potato options can be found at El Agave, and California Tacos has fish and veggie tacos on the list. Sol de Mexico’s choices are al pastor and potato tacos, and Taco Lobo will be serving up its popular taco de birria. Tecalitlan Mexican Restaurant is keeping things simple with beef and veggie.
Alternatively, Black Sheep is getting fancy; its meat option is pork belly and arugula with mango chutney and tamarind crema, and the vegetarian alternative will feature local oyster mushrooms and kale with guacamole, pickled red onions and poblano crema.
At Jack’s BBQ, purists may balk at their chopped brisket white bread taco — can it really be called a taco if it’s not served on a tortilla? — but the barbecue joint on State Street was the first restaurant to sign up for the competition as a way to support United Way of Whatcom County.
If all of the 250 available booklets get sold, approximately $6,250 will be raised, Ricks said.
“In addition to helping fund 25 local nonprofits, United Way of Whatcom County funds and runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for our county,” she said. “Funds donated help to meet basic needs, promote economic mobility and break the cycle of poverty in our community, plus support early childhood literacy.”
But the Tastiest Taco Competition is about more than raising funds for United Way, Ricks added. It’s also about supporting local restaurants, and she encourages people to stay awhile at each venue and order extra food and a beverage or two.
She came up with the tagline “Tasty tacos, delicious deals, all for a great cause,” and hopes people have fun while taking part in the event.
“Everyone loves tacos,” Ricks said. “It’s great for us because we get profits right back out into the community. Plus, businesses get exposure, and people get tacos. It’s a win-win-win situation.”
Find out more about the Tastiest Taco Competition and how to purchase booklets at unitedwaywhatcom.org/events.
A previous version of this story misstated the amount United Way would raise during this fundraiser. The amount is $6,250. The story was updated to reflect the change at 12:32 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26. Cascadia Daily News regrets the error.
