Best Salsa In Summit? We Have The Winning Recipes

SUMMIT, NJ - Smokey, sweet and spicy variations were all on display, but it was the hometown boy's home grown ingredients that won the day at the annual Salsa Contest at the Summit Farmers Market.

Grant Powell took the top spot for his tomato salsa on Sept. 30, competing in a contest with nine different salsa types included.

Judges Brad Finkel, Sean Ritz, and Steve Bowman were tasked with rating each of the entrant’s salsa on flavor, texture and appearance. Finkel is the owner of Hoboken Farms and has been participating at the market since its inception. 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. Bowman is a Councilman for the City of Summit as well as a Summit Downtown, Inc. Trustee.

After tasting and deliberating, the judges awarded Powell the first prize for his original Tomato Salsa. Powell 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.

2018 Salsa Contest Winners (click for recipes)

• 1st Place: Tomato Salsa by Grant Powell
• 2nd Place: Burnt Habanero Crema Salsa by Doug Jackson
• 3rd Place: Mango Black Bean Salsa by Craig Bass

The next Sunday Funday activities will be the Pumpkin Painting on Sunday, Oct. 21 and the Apple Pie Contest on Nov. 4. 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. through 1 p.m. every Sunday through Nov. 18.

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

(Photo 1: Grant Powell shows off his first place ribbon after winning the annual Salsa Contest. Photo courtesy of the Summit Farmers Market.)

(Photo 2: Judges Sean Ritz, Steve Bowman and Brad Finkel tasted nine different entries to pick the winner at the annual Salsa Contest. Photo courtesy of the Summit Farmers Market.)

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