Bringing the heat
Listen up, chile heads, this event is for you. The third California Hot Sauce Expo is Aug. 19 and 20 at City National Grove of Anaheim. It’s two days celebrating all things hot, plus eating competitions. There will be hot sauce from 40 makers around the world as well as food vendors. And when the heat gets a little too much to handle, look for one of the craft beer or specialty cocktail vendors. If you enjoy watching others in chile agony, there’s an area called the Stage of Doom, where the competitions will take place. This year, you can expect the Guinness Book of World Records Reaper Pepper Eating Contest, the Booze & Infuse Cocktail Competition and the Spicy Pizza of Doom contest. Also look out for lucha libre wrestling, because when your mouth is on fire, why not cheer on wrestlers in cool masks? California Hot Sauce Expo: There are three tiers of tickets, including $10 general admission, $40 craft brew package tickets and $75 VIP package tickets. Everyone gets access to the hot sauce samples and the eating competitions. The craft brew package includes extras like drink tokens, and the VIP package includes access to a VIP area with complimentary drinks and a barbecue buffet. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, cahotsauceexpo.com.