We're thrilled to announce that we were selected to be vendors at the NYC Hot Sauce Expo this year!
In case you're new to hot sauce, this is one of the most prestigious hot sauce shows and most difficult to be selected as a vendor. This year's festival is moving from its traditional home in Brooklyn to Secaucus, NJ (pronounced SEE-kaw-kes). Just like football fans ignore the fact the that the NY Jets and NY Giants are based in NJ, we too can look past this discrepancy, we're just pumped to be a part of it.
I've never been to a hot sauce expo, would I like this event?
If you've never been to a hot sauce expo or aren't even that crazy about hot sauce, I say, grab a few friends and go check it out. First off, the tickets start at $10 so its a very low risk. Secondly, you get to sample hundreds of hot sauces, BBQ sauces, mustards and other condiments, and while there are a fair share of brain burners, you'd be surprised how many low heat big flavor sauces there are.
But none of my friends want to go.
If you're a hot sauce fanatic, it's probably better to go by yourself. You'll be surrounded by like minded heat seekers and won't have to sit in the corner sipping milk when your light weight friends burn their mouths out after 1 sauce. This will give you the opportunity to got booth to booth at your pace, talking to makers and samples sauces at your pace.
Hot sauce is cool and everything but what else is there to do?
In addition to sampling sauces from all over the place, The NYC Hot Sauce Expo also, hosts spicy eating challenges like the Doughnuts of Death Challenge, Bobbing For Reaper Peppers Challenge and The Spicy Pizza of DOOM Challenge to name a few. This year they will also be hosting pro wrestling matches several times throughout each day.
OK, I'm in what do I need to know before I go?
It's a good idea to bring a small bag of some sort to these events. With all the sampling you're likely to do, you'll probably end up buying some sauces to take home. Having a bag to carry everything around in will be a lifesaver at an event like this.
Take a beverage of your choice. While they'll have water and probably milk, in addition to beer and cocktails, it's always good to have a beverage close by for when a hot sauce catches you off guard.
It's always a good idea to bring a cellphone charger to an event like this, especially if you're traveling far to get there.
If you do decide to go to the NYC Hot Sauce Expo this year, be sure to swing by our booth and say hello.
Cheers,
Henry