Annual Salsa Contest at Summit Farmers Market a Great Success

Submitted by Marin Mixon

The Summit Farmers Market hosted its Annual Salsa Contest on Sunday, September 30, 2018. Nine delicious and different types of salsas were entered, and Grant Powell won First Prize for his Tomato Salsa.

Judges Brad Finkel, Sean Ritz, and Steve Bowman were tasked with rating each of the entrant’s salsa on flavor, texture and appearance. Brad Finkel is the owner of Hoboken Farms and has been participating at the market since its inception. Sean Ritz, Marketing Manager of Tito’s Burritos and Wings, provided the tortilla chips for the judges and offered free bags of chips to the public. Steve Bowman is a Councilman for the City of Summit as well as a Summit Downtown, Inc. Trustee. Many thanks to all three for their expertise and time.

After tasting and deliberating, the judges awarded Grant Powell the first prize for his original Tomato Salsa. Grant is a Summit resident and an avid gardener; most of the ingredients came from his own home garden! Doug Jackson’s Burnt Habanero Crema Salsa won second prize, and Doug said that this particular salsa recipe is requested more than any of his recipes. Craig Bass, owner of Bagel Café in New Providence, won third prize for his Mango Black Bean Salsa. Recipes for all three winners can be found on www.summitdowntown.org/events/farmers-market/.

The market is run by Summit Downtown, Inc. and is located in Park & Shop Lot No. 2, at the corner of DeForest Avenue and Maple Street. The market is open from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. every Sunday through November 18.

For more information on the Summit Farmers Market and other Sunday Funday Activities, please visit summitfarmersmarket.com or contact Summit Downtown, Inc. at 908-277-6100.

Summit Downtown, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the on-going development and promotion of the business community in downtown Summit, NJ.

(above) First place winner Grant Powell, who won with his Tomato Salsa.

(above) Judges of the salsa contest were Brad Finkel, Sean Ritz, and Steve Bowman.

(above) Sean Ritz, Marketing Manager of Tito’s Burritos and Wings, provided the tortilla chips for the judges and offered free bags of chips to the public.