The Seabury Scene

Ed Currie of PuckerButt Pepper Company gives us a glimpse into two can’t-miss hot sauce shows from the legendary chilehead couple behind High River Sauces.

- Ed Currie

CALIFORNIA HOT SAUCE EXPO, LONG BEACH, CA

OVERVIEW: The second-annual expo, held at the Rainbow Lagoon again this past July, was a weekend of fiery eating challenges, not to mention 40 of the best local, national and international hot sauce makers. The location is beautiful and lends to an atmosphere of relaxation, leisure tasting and shopping, instead of the tight row herding that happens at most hot sauce shows.

HIGHLIGHTS: The two mixology challenges were interesting to watch, and the winner of the Bloody Mary Mix-Down Competition will be headed to New York City for the National Championship. The food eating challenges were huge draws to the stage; it was amazing to see the diversity of the entrants, and most of the winners were unexpected. The crowd also got to award the People’s Choice award to their favorite vendor—we won! As a side note, I had the honor of doing the sriracha tour and meeting David Tran; if you have the chance, it’s a must for any chilehead.