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Margaritas, music, and Mexican food – our team headed back to Wylam for their Mexican Standoff. From tacos, pizzas, to corn dogs, who knew there was a Mexican twist to be had!

Here is a roundup of the event:

Lobo Rojo – Carnitas de Pato Taco – Braised duck leg in adobo, arbol chilli carrot salsa, escabeche (pickles), served on a corn tortilla

Our first taco of the event did not disappoint! The carrot salsa delivered a slow-building heat that packed a punch. The vibrant pink pickles brought a zesty tang, cutting through the spice perfectly. A real highlight was the braised duck, a welcome addition that offered a rich alternative to more traditional taco fillings. As consumers continue to seek out authentic Mexican cuisine, our marketing team has noticed a growing presence of corn tortillas hitting supermarket shelves – a trend that was also clearly reflected at the event.

Flankman – El Flanko – Chargrilled flank steak, lime crema, white onion, wild garlic chimichurri, pickled pink onions, radish, corn dust, coriander, hand pressed soft shell taco

The Mexican Standoff 2025 winner and everything you’d want from a classic taco! This vibrant yellow soft-shell taco was packed with freshness from the pickled onion, radish and coriander. The chimichurri added that signature vinegary tang, which complemented the steak, whilst the lime crema added a creamy mouthfeel to the dish.

Scott & Wilson – El Hamish Sonoran Street Corn Dog – Traditional corn dog, topped with pickle de gallo, pickled pinks, chilli jam, burger sauce and a lime wedge

A unique entry into the Standoff, this corndog had an epic cheese pull and visually was a crowd pleaser!  The corn coating offered a savoury crunch, whilst the burger sauce provided a sweet contrasting note to the dish.

Wylam Kitchen – Mexicano Smash Patty – Patty with pico de gallo, ranchero sauce, American cheese

The flavoursome patty was balanced by the sweetness of the ranchero sauce, creating a bold flavour profile. The addition of American cheese and the familiar burger format gave the dish a distinctive Tex-Mex twist. This style of fusion is increasingly popular, driven by shifting demographics, global migration, and the influence of social media, which continues to spotlight cross-cultural cuisines and bring them into the mainstream (The Grocer).

Hake – King Prawn Taco – King prawns, corn tortilla, pico de gallo, guacamole, pineapple and habanero hot sauce, coriander

The prawns added a salty and fresh flavour profile complemented by the kick of spice from the hot sauce.

Spiced Halloumi Taco – Spiced halloumi, corn tortilla, fresh corn salsa, lime crema, truffle and wild garlic sauce, micro cress

This taco was one of the most eye-catching dishes of the day! The corn salsa added vibrant colour, subtle sweetness, and a satisfying texture. Finished with a charred lime, this added an extra layer of smoky citrus flavour that lifted the overall profile of the taco.

Good Times Taco – Chicken Chalino Sanchez Hot Honey Chicken – Buttermilk fried chicken, habanero hot honey, crack pickles, miso mayo, toasted sesame + chives

Hot honey continues to trend as a standout summer flavour in 2025, maintaining its popularity even after several years in the spotlight. The honey in this taco delivered a satisfying sweet heat, while the sesame added a toasted note. The inclusion of crack pickles brought sharpness and contrast, cutting through the sweetness.

If you are looking for culinary trends, insights or inspiration based on the above blog, please get in touch: jessica.kane@dalziel.co.uk