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Taco Throw Down... hosted by the Roseville, CA Rotary Club on the third Saturday in April every year... what a party and an event! For five hours - if you're a V.I.P. - or four hours for general admission, you get to enjoy all the tacos you can eat and all the beer and wine you can drink. If you're a V.I.P., you get to enjoy special seating, great chips and salsa, and all of the hard liquor you can drink. Not to mention... you get to enter the event an hour early, so you'll get to pig-out without the crowd and avoid waiting in lines. This is one of the best parties in Placer County and an event that no lover of fine dining should ever want to miss! The event this year was held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at @ The Grounds located in Roseville, CA, and everything worked out to make for a perfect eating and drinking experience.
Photo: Here it is... the promotional for this event, posted back in January. I grabbed my $100.00 V.I.P. ticket for the event, as I simply couldn't pass on this great "foodie" event! As with all of reviews that I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: It's noon on Saturday, April 20, 2024, and it's time to check in and enjoy five hours of eating tacos and drinking beer at the 5th Annual Taco Throwdown. This amazing all-you-can-eat-and-drink event is held annually by the Roseville Rotary Club, and is one of the best parties in all of Placer County.
Photo: I checked in at noon, and these friendly folks from the Roseville Rotary club greeted me with a smile, gave me a beer glass and welcomed me to the event.
Photo: As soon as I checked into the event, my "mission" in life was to eat tacos, and my first stop was the pop up restaurant from West Coast Taco Bar. West Coast operates a brick and mortar restaurant in Elk Grove, at the south end of the greater Sacramento metro area.
Photo: Out behind the restaurant, the talented staff were grilling tacos and tortillas.
Photo: The staff has talent as they know how to grill delicious carne asada tacos.
Photo: Tortillas toasting on the griddle. It's just a little past the noon opening time, for those - like me - who purchased V.I.P. tickets, and the staff is gearing up for the crowd who will arrive in just a few minutes to enjoy some of the best tacos in Placer County.
Photo: My delicious taco is delivered to me with a friendly smile.
Photo: It's "taco time" at the 5th Annual Taco Throwdown, hosted by the Roseville Rotary Club. Great tacos and beer... what is better in life?
Photo: One "street taco," grilled by the talented chefs at West Coast Taco Bar, carne asada... does it get any better? The taco started out on two perfectly grilled corn tortillas, each about the size of a DVD, which is "street taco" size in Mexico. Next, I enjoyed a generous helping of carne asada - Mexican grilled steak - cut perfectly to size and grilled to perfection by the talented staff. The taco was topped with chopped cilantro, diced whit onion and to my surprise and delight... toppings of grilled and breaded chicharones! Oh my! Unlike other restaurants at the event, West Coast's tacos didn't have any crema or anything else... as the standalone amazing taste spoke for itself. Now you're talking about a delicious taco! These tacos are as good as a taco gets! West Coast Taco Bar was my first stop on today's event and they earned my vote for "best taco." West Coast Taco Bar
Photo: After enjoying a taco or three, it was time to enjoy "Premium Craft Beer," thanks to BrewBilt Brewing Company, which is based in the nearby foothill town of Grass Valley. This fine micro brewery had four delicious beers on tap and I enjoyed them all.
Photo: My first pour was a "Seasonal" straight from the tap. The "Seasonal" is a smooth lager beer, which was simply delicious! The fine staff was more than happy to pour as much beer as I could drink.
Photo: My second beer was their "IPA," which always hits the spot when you're enjoying tacos. Such a delicious beer!
Photo: I raise my glass and toast BrewBilt Brewing Company, and the 5th Annual Taco Throwdown event. BrewBilt Brewing Company
Photo: The next stop was to enjoy an amazing Mexican lager beer... or three... at Granite Bay Brewing Company, a local micro brewery in Granite Bay, which is located on the extreme east end of Roseville, near Folsom Lake. I haven't had the chance to visit them in person, as they've only been in business for about a year.
Photo: Two beers were on tap today, the Mexican lager "Uno Mas" along with a "West Coast IPA."
Photo: The friendly bartender pours an "Uno Mas" as Carter, the owner and head brewer gives me a thumbs up, and lets me know all is right in the world.
Photo: Here's an "Uno Mas" with a friendly smile! The gal tending the bar as super friendly, and the "Uno Mas" was a smooth, Mexican lager that reminded me of many beers I've enjoyed during my countless trips to Mexico. Granite Bay Brewing Company opened their doors and began brewing about this time last year. The beer they brew is simply delicious, and I wish them success! I can't wait to pay a visit to their brewery!
Photo: I toast a glass of "Uno Mas" to Granite Bay Brewing Company, and the amazing Taco Throwdown event. Granite Bay Brewing Company
Photo: After enjoying a few beers, I was hungry for more tacos, so I headed over to JDM Eats, which had set up a restaurant on "taco row."
Photo: The friendly and talented chefs grill carne asada in back of the restaurant.
Photo: Carne asada was taken off the grill, placed on a small corn tortilla, and the talented kitchen staff began to assemble my tacos. Note I said "tacos," as the staff asked me if I wanted one or two. Naturally, I went with two...
Photo: The sous chef puts the final touch on to my tacos. JDM Eats served delicious tacos for this event. Too bad I couldn't find them on the web.
Photo: The friendly greeter at the window hands my two delicious tacos with a smile!
Photo: Two delicious carne asada "street tacos" I enjoyed from the talented staff at JDM Eats. Each taco was based on a perfectly grilled corn tortilla, and topped with a generous helping of carne asada, and as a surprise... rice! The rice made this taco quite unique and delicious. Toppings included fresh pico de gallo, melted cheese, chipotle crema, along with a slice of lime for garnish, and to squeeze the juice on to the tacos. Simply delicious tacos, served by friendly staff. JDM Eats seems to be a bit of a mystery, as the staff didn't have business cards and were too busy to answer my many questions. After searching the web, I can't find any information on this fine pop-up restaurant. Maybe next year?
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready enjoy two delicious tacos from JDM Eats. Like all tacos served at this event, these are "street tacos," and you can get an idea of their size by comparing them to my hands.
Photo: You get thirsty after eating tacos, so it was time to visit The Monk's Cellar, who had set up a pop up beer bar for the event. The Monk's Cellar operates a micro brewery and restaurant located on Vernon Street in downtown Roseville. Their "Vernon Street Lager" has to be my favorite beer they brew. On the restaurant side of the house, they serve fries, fried in duck fat.
Photo: Today they were keeping it very simply, with only two beers served. No worries, as all beer brewed at The Monk's Cellar is great!
Photo: My friendly bartender toasts the event with a glass of "Biere Blanche," which is a Belgian wheat beer, brewed at their micro brewery in downtown Roseville. The beer was light, refreshing and tasted similar to a lager. Great beer any way you look at it!
Photo: After enjoying a beer... or was it three? ... it was time to head over to Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market and enjoy some of their amazing tacos.
Photo: In back of the pop up restaurants, the talented taco chefs were working two grills, one for tortillas and one for carne asada. The gentleman in the middle of the photo was explaining how delicious their tacos are as I took the photo. He didn't need to explain anything to me, as I know Bennett's grills delicious tacos!
Photo: The carne asada chef is a happy guy as I take his photo, as he grills some of the best carne asada the Gold Country.
Photo: The grilled meat and tortillas are brought into the tent and are placed in stainless steel warmers, where they are kept warm. The kitchen staff assemble the tacos as you watch. Like all pop up restaurants at this fine event, the operation at Bennett's is easy to view and a delight for all "foodies."
Photo: My assembled taco is delivered to me with a smile.
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready enjoy an amazing taco, prepared as I watched, from Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market, located in Roseville.
Photo: Bennett's Kitchen serves a delicious "street taco" any way you look at it! The taco began as a single grilled corn tortilla, grilled perfectly so it held together well. Seasoned, juicy, tender carne asada was placed on top of the tortilla and garnished with grilled bacon! Yummy! Shredded Mexican cheese, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of chipotle crema completed this fine taco. Like everything served at Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market, this taco was simply delicious!
Photo: This sweetie actually delivered my two tacos to me after I'd left the restaurant and moved on. I'd just mentioned in passing that a couple more tacos would be great, and I didn't think anything of it. A few minutes later, as I was sitting down at a table, enjoying the late morning, this sweet girl brought two tacos to me with a friendly smile. Wow! How's that for service!!!
Photo: Two more delicious tacos from made on-site by the skilled staff at Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market, located in Roseville. It was SO sweet of that fine lady to seek me out and bring these tacos to me. Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market
Photo: As I was enjoying my second helping of tacos, this gentleman walked past me, and I did a double take at his tee shirt. I asked if I could take his photo and he quickly agreed.
Photo: Local band Stagefrite playing some of the best "old school" rock 'n roll to heard in western Placer County. Their "tag" is "Rock-n-Roll, Then and Now." Whatever the case, they play great music and helped to make the event even more fun!
Photo: It's getting toward mid-afternoon, and there are many thirsty beer drinkers lining up enjoy a sample of the fine beer, brewed by Rebellion Brewing Company, located in nearby Auburn.
Photo: The friendly bartender hands a pour to the guy in the line in front of me.
Photo: Mr. Bartender greets me with a pour of "Sink or Swim," a delicious "old school" double IPA. Such a friendly guy and a great beer!
Photo: I toast to the event and to Rebellion Brewing Company, with a glass of "Sink or Swim" beer, which is an "old school" IPA with an alcohol content of 8.2%. Yes, a glass of this fine IPA will lift your kilt all the way to Auburn! Simply a delicious IPA! Rebellion Brewing Co.
Photo: By early afternoon, the crowds have arrived to enjoy great tacos and beer. As in previous years, I purchased a V.I.P. ticket, which allows me to get into the event an hour early and avoid the crowds. Not to mention I get to enjoy the "V.I.P. area," and the bar, with all-you-can-drink whiskey, and all-you-can-eat chips and salsa.
Photo: Crooked Lane Brewing Company, a local Auburn brewery was next on my list.
Photo: The friendly bartender pours this gal a sample of "Hammok Time," which is a blonde ale.
Photo: The sign advertises the seltzer and beer being poured on this amazing Saturday afternoon in Roseville.
Photo: I'd been drinking beer for most of the afternoon, so I decided to take a slightly different path, and go with a pour of "Get Crooked," a sparkling, spiked seltzer. I went with the pomegranate version. It was refreshing and a change of pace, but I prefer beer, any way you look at it.
Photo: I hold my glass of "Get Crooked" and toast the fine folks at Crooked Lane Brewing Company. Crooked Lane Brewing Company
Photo: By mid afternoon, the event was in full swing, with locals and folks from all over the greater Sacramento area enjoying tacos and beer. Good times!
Photo: These ladies are enjoying the event in style! The Taco Throwdown is a fun event for those over 21, as you enjoy unlimited tacos, beer and wine. If you upgraded to V.I.P. level, you get to enjoy relaxed seating, chips and salsa, along with all the whiskey you can drink.
Photo: It's mid afternoon, and I'm waiting in line at Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market for most likely my 8th taco, but waiting in line isn't a problem, as this fine gentleman from Pacific Rails is giving out free samples of their bourbon whiskey. Such a great way to wait in line! Note the bottle in the side holster he's carrying... that was a first event for me to see.
Photo: The friendly greeter guy is handing these ladies a generous helping of Bennett's delicious tacos. More are on the way from the kitchen.
Photo: My friendly hosts hands me another delicious taco with a smile. Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market operates two restaurants in Roseville, and I have enjoyed delicious food at both locations, and have posted my dining experiences on this website.
Photo: Another delicious taco from Bennett's Kitchen Bar Market, located in Roseville. Like the other tacos I enjoyed, this delicious taco started single grilled corn tortilla, grilled perfectly so it held together well. Seasoned, juicy, tender carne asada was placed on top of the tortilla and garnished with grilled bacon! Shredded Mexican cheese, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of chipotle crema completed this fine taco.
Photo: Last stop on "taco row" was Brickyard Kitchen and Bar, who set up a pop up restaurant next to the other vendors.
Photo: The friendly chef and sous chef greeted me with a warm smile as I was ready to enjoy my first taco from this vendor. They must have brought everything with them, as they didn't have a grill in back cooking carne asada or tortillas. I don't know how they did it, but they served delicious tacos!
Photo: The friendly and talented sous chef assembles my taco, and she's adding onion and cilantro. Note the pot that has salsa verde to be spooned on the taco, for enhancing goodness.
Photo: Ms. Sous Chef hands my taco to me with a friendly smile. The lady had skill, as she assembled a delicious and beautiful taco in less than a minute.
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready to enjoy the first of several tacos at the pop up restaurant of Brickyard kitchen and Bar.
Photo: The first of several tacos I enjoyed at Brickyard Kitchen and Bar. The taco was delicious and the presentation was simply amazing. Like all tacos at the 5th Annual Taco Throwdown, Brickyard's tacos were "street tacos," which means they were served on corn tortillas, about the size of a DVD. In Mexico, these small tacos are meant for a snack, but if you're hungry, you order several tacos. The taco started out with two perfectly grilled corn tortillas, which made the perfect foundation for the generous helping of juicy, seasoned and grilled carne asada. Garnishes included diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and ... surprise! ... a few toasted red corn tortilla slices for some "crunch," which truly added to the taco experience. The tacos was spooned with mild salsa verde and drizzled with chipotle crema, for a delicious and well-balanced taste. A slice of lime, to squeeze on the taco, added the final, impressive touch. One bite into this amazing taco was the kind of taco experience that you simply dream about and live to enjoy! The meat was perfectly grilled, juicy-tender, and the garnishes were crispy and fresh. Ah yes... the fried red tortilla slices added an extra dimension and a bit of "crunch" to this delicious taco. The mild salsa verde and the chipotle finished the flavor train, and made this a delicious, well-balanced taco. Brickyard Kitchen and Bar
Photo: J.J. Pfister Distilling Co., of Sacramento, hosts the V.I.P. tent, and the all-you-can-drink whiskey bar. Thank goodness to Uber! When you purchase a V.I.P. ticket for this event, you get to enter an hour early, so if you're a photographer, you can easily knock down three taco vendors before the crowds arrive. You also have access to the V.I.P. tent, which provides comfortable seating, chips and salsa, and unlimited whiskey, thanks to J.J. Pfister Distilling Co.
Photo: Now this is a greeting as I enter the V.I.P. tent! Yes sir... I'll be glad to enjoy a shot!
Photo: Here's the menu listed for the whiskey bar. The unlimited chips and salsa are arranged on a table near the bar.
Photo: After I was meeted and greeted, and enjoyed a shot, it was time to enjoy a second shot of Pacific Rails bourbon whiskey, made in Sacramento.
Photo: Another shot is a dream come true...
Photo: By happenstance, I met up with Michelle, who is a member of my Facebook group, Gold Country Dining. It was great to meet with her in person and to enjoy a shot of whiskey with her.
Photo: These fine folks are enjoying the all-you-can-eat chips and salsa bar, which happens in the V.I.P. tent. I love the chips and salsa, along with the whiskey, but the real reason I choose to go V.I.P. is the hour early admission, which grants me easy access to photography before the crowds arrive.
Photo: My choice of chips and salsa. It's interesting to note when the event opens the salsa is fresh pico de gallo, but as the afternoon wears on, and the fresh salsa runs out, the event relies on bottled salsa. Yep... it's 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I'm enjoying bottled salsa. No worries, as I'll just wash it down with great bourbon.
Photo: I set my chips and salsa down, as it's time for another pour of bourbon.
Photo: My last pour of bourbon from J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, who set up shop and, like events in past years, made the 5th Annual Taco Throwdown to be an amazing event. I would venture to say this is the best party that Roseville has to offer.
Photo: I raise my shot of bourbon whiskey and I toast the friendly staff of J.J. Pfister Distilling Company, and the great 5th Annual Taco Throwdown event. I'm looking forward to next year! J.J. Pfister Distilling Co. I took note this year's event had only four taco vendors, but a check at the event website explained that three vendors backed out at the last minute. No worries, as this year's event was a success and a paradise for all those who savor delicious tacos. The event asks you to vote for your favorite taco, but I declined to cast a vote. In my taco opinion, I simply could not decide, as all the tacos, from each vendor were amazingly delicious, which made my vote impossible. In my opinion, this is one of the most fun, "foodie" events that Placer County has to offer, as it's an all-afternoon party for those 21 and older. Be sure to stay safe and employ a designated driver or use a ride share. Cheers! I'm already looking forward to next year's party! Roseville Rotary Club Copyright(c) 2024 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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