Results of the Salsa Tasting Contest at the 19^th Annual Community Tree Lighting

Alameda Business Association (ABA) together with the Westminster Presbyterian Church (Westminster Church) and theShasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association (S/HPNA) sponsored the 19^th Annual Community Tree Lighting last Friday evening, December 7, 2012 at Westminster Church in San Jose.

Holiday Program

A delightful holiday musical program was provided by local schools and youth groups including the River Glen School Estudiantina, the Trace Elementary School Choir, the Luther Burbank School Mariachi and the Dance Evolution dancers.  For the second year in a row, Elvis tribute artist, Rick Torres, closed the proceedings with a medley of classic Christmas rock and roll favorites sung in the style of “the King.”

Salsa Tasting Contest

Four local Mexican restaurants participated in the ABA’s salsa tasting contest which gave concert goers a chance to sample and judge the best salsa on The Alameda.  Salsas were ranked on a one to five scale.  Each restaurant received 5 ratings from many of the local residents and each had their own dedicated fans.  Zona Rosa on The Alameda offered a distinctive cashew based salsa, Mexico Lindo at Race and The Alameda presented a hot and spicy salsa with a tasty “kick.”  Las Cazuelas on Race near The Alameda offered both chips and homemade salsa.  Freebirds at the corner of Martin and The Alameda gave samples of their warm queso for tasting.  The separation from top to bottom was a mere 10 votes out of 350 cast.  Ranking was in the following order:

Percentage

Freebirds World Burrito       27%

Las Cazuelas                       25%

Mexico Lindo                       25%

Zona Rosa                           23%

Freebirds World Burrito will receive a plaque from the ABA acknowledging and commemorating this tasty victory.  Look for it when you visit Freebirds World Burrito at the corner of Martin and The Alameda

The ABA would also like to thank all of our participating restaurants including Mexico Lindo, La Cazuelas and Zona Rosa for sharing a sample of good things to eat here on The Alameda.

The Hanchett Avenue Farmers’ Market will be opening next week, and we would love to see you there!

Saturdays, 9 am – 1 pm, June 2 – Sept 29, Hanchett Ave. at The Alameda

The easiest way to keep up with our happenings is by adding the farmers’ market on Facebook! Attached you will find a press release containing more detailed information about the farmers’ market opening, and a flyer for the market. Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you would like hardcopies of the flyer (bilingual in Spanish) or a poster to share the market information with your friends or at your business. Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested. 

Additional Information About the Hanchett Farmers’ Market:

• A variety of producers will have locally grown fruit, vegetables, herbs, and nuts (it’s cherry season—yum!). We will also have prepared foods! We are molding the market to reflect the diversity of residents in the vicinity.
• We accept CalFresh (EBT) and WIC- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Checks (WIC-FMNP) as payment. We give CalFresh customers an extra $5 when they spend at least $10 on their card.
• We have a frequent shopper card! On designated punches, receive great prizes, like a cutting board, measuring cups, or stadium blanket.
• Opening Day kicks of a logo contest: Submit your design for the Hanchett Ave. Farmers’ Market throughout the month of June. In July, voting will occur and the winner will be announced. The winner will receive $50 cash to spend at the farmers’ market. All ages are encouraged to participate.

Thank you to every person, business, and community group who has contributed to this project. We  look forward to further partnering with community to make fresh, local fruits and vegetables available to all in this neighborhood.

Laura Salcido

Community Outreach Coordinator

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association

5060 Commercial Circle #A

Concord, CA, 94520

pcfma.com

P—925-825-9090