Mercado on Fifth invites Quad Citians to this week’s Friday night market and to be a judge in its annual El Sabor del Mercado (Taste of Mercado) competition.
Presented by Modern Woodmen of America, Taste of Mercado is one of the summer’s favorite traditions offering guests a chance to taste their way through Mercado’s food vendors while supporting locally-owned small businesses.
Guests, ages 13 and older, can purchase a voting card for an additional $5 at any entry gate. With an official bilingual voting card, they receive one sample from each participating vendor. After visiting each and marking off their cards, attendees will receive a QR Code to cast their votes online. Categories are: Best Salsa, Best Entrée, Best Beverage, Best Side/Snack and the El Sabor del Mercado (Overall People’s Choice Winner).
This year’s contest represents various cuisines and culinary traditions including: authentic Mexican street tacos, homemade birria, Latino/Filipino-inspired fusion cuisine, bacon-wrapped street dogs, fresh aguas frescas, fresh-squeezed lemonade, churros, mini pancakes, gourmet snacks, Mexican street corn, energy drinks and coffee, freeze-dried treats, homemade salsas, fresh desserts and more.
Mercado Executive Director Frances Williams describes the Taste of Mercado as more than a friendly competition – it’s a celebration of entrepreneurship.
“One of Mercado on Fifth’s greatest strengths is helping entrepreneurs build loyal customers,” she said. “Taste of Mercado gives thousands of visitors the opportunity to discover new favorite businesses, and every vote helps shine a spotlight on these incredible local entrepreneurs.”
These are the local vendors participating:
- Las Salsas Doña Mary.
- The Back-Yard.
- Xochimilko.
- Los Crazy Snax LLC.
- Oasis de Sabores.
- Quesa-Broso.
- Mendoza Street Dogs.
- Mi Oaxaca.
- Miguel’s Street Tacos.
- The Main Squeeze Trailer.
- Luna Kitchen.
- Abarrotes Carrillo LLC.
- FRiO Sauce.
- Aguas Frescas Camila.
- Tongue Teazers Freeze Dried Treats.
- Sister Sweets QC.
- Taquizas Los Jarochos.
Mercado on Fifth is held from 5-10 p.m. on Friday nights at its home at 423 12th St. in downtown Moline.
