Elgin's Fiesta Salsa gets taste buds dancing

Whether you like your salsa spicy, sweet or mild, local chefs and food fans say the best sauces are made from the freshest produce and a few secret ingredients.

Those secret ingredients remained under wraps Saturday during Fiesta Salsa at Festival Park in Elgin, where hundreds of people gave their taste buds a kick and some gave their hips a shake.

“The way to make salsa is with quality ingredients and to be creative and have fun,” said Jeff Turner, owner of In the Neighborhood Deli in Elgin. “The worst thing that could happen is you make something that tastes bad. But then you just try it again.”

Turner's three salsas — a spicy chipotle, mild and a sweet pineapple cilantro — were part of the Salsa Challenge for Social Good. Proceeds from each salsa tasting kit benefits next years's event.

“It is a good way for the community to come together,” Turner said. “It shows what a great community Elgin is.”

Fiesta Salsa co-chair Richard Grieger said the festival provides a bright spot in a difficult economy.

“This is a time of celebration at a time when people are lacking celebration,” Grieger said. “It doesn't cost a lot to enjoy because all of the entertainment is free, entrance is free.”

Entertainment included salsa dancing demonstrations, a climbing wall, jumping castle and train rides.

Elgin resident Ramiro Arrendondo said he looks forward to the salsa challenge.

“It's a great way to support the local community,” Arrendondo said. “It's close to home, there's good food and it's fun family time.”

Arrendondo said he enjoys fruit-based salsas in the summer, as well as traditional salsas added to different foods.

“It is flavorful and versatile,” Arrendondo said. “There has to be the right amount of spice. The more you eat salsa, you taste something different.”