NYC Hot Sauce Expo
There’s a hot sauce party each year in New York City, and it’s not for the faint-hearted. The now annual event draws in over 45 producers from across the United States, resulting in one weird and wonderful gathering of chilli heads and pepper fiends.
Included in the event is a Bloody Mary Mix-off Championship, the Screaming Mi-Mi Awards for producers and a Guinness Book of Records contest for those game enough to eat three of the spiciest peppers in the world, in the fastest time.
Sauce aside, there’s lots else to sample, from ghost chili brownies, to spicy pizzas and a legendary margarita. While the majority will be tentatively wading through the varying vendors and their wares, don’t be surprised to see the occasional punter crouched over with their head on their knees. They’ve likely had a personal encounter with the beastly Carolina Reaper variety.
WORDS OF WISDOM
- Have a cold IPA in hand to chase down some of the hotter varieties.
- Purchase the Beer & BBQ Lunch box Ticket for US$55, instead of the standard US$10 for General Admission. The ticket includes five craft beer tickets, a bottle of High River Sauces and a BBQ sandwich platter. Most end up spending this much anyway on extra beverages to put out any tummy fires.
Visit NYC Hot Sauce Expo
