This afternoon I had the honor of joining two other judges to taste our way through delicious sliders from eight competing food trucks. The fourth annual Slider Throwdown was held at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Admission cost $25 and included tickets for one slider from each of the food trucks: BuzzNBee, Chicken and Waffles for the People, Stacy's Smokehouse BBQ, Phil the Grill, Jamburritos Cajun, Aioli Burger, Island Loco, and Comfort Cravings.

The rain didn't seem to affect the attendees looking for some tasty sliders and voting for People's Choice, and the Truth Serum Band was on hand to entertain the crowd. There was also a beer garden, cash bar, children's activity area, and a silent auction.

Our judging criteria was based on points for categories including taste, originality, and presentation, and the competitors were here to win.

Buzznbeez fried catfish po' boy sliders with slaw, sweet chile sauce, and creamy Sriracha sauce, and Comfort Cravings pulled chicken slider with spicy slaw:

The chicken and waffle slider from Chicken and Waffles for The People, and a duo of pulled pork sliders from Stacy's Smokehouse BBQ:

Aioli Gourmet Burgers' Italiano with mozzarella, tomato, crispy pancetta, balsamic reduction, and basil-garlic aioli, and Island Loco's Hawaiian slider with Kiawe wood-smoked pulled pork, spicy chile mayo, and lomi:

Phil the Grill's pulled pork with slaw, and Jamburritos' spicy catfish with Cajun tartar sauce and jalapenos.

CBS 5 News anchor and emcee Sean McLaughlin made the announcement. The winner of both People's Choice and the Grand Prize? Aioli Gourmet Burgers and their Italiano!

Second place went to BuzznBeez, and third to Chicken and Waffles for The People. Congratulations to all the winners!

2015 Slider Throwdown