HMH "Guacs This Way" To Meet Its Neighbors
November 12, 2009
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte marketing communications firm HMH recently invited its Grinnell Water Works neighbors to "Guac This Way." The result? A memorable happy hour centered on salsa and guacamole contests that spiced up a mid-week afternoon in the office. Those attending were invited to enter their tastiest salsa or guacamole and to vote for their favorites. Cantina 1511 chef Sam Diminich served as judge in the Chef's Choice category.
As creator of the exuberant posters and invitations that promoted the happy hour, is it any surprise that HMH creative director Shawn Kelley also delivered the Chef's Choice award-winning salsa? People's Choice went to AC&M's Samantha Hutchinson for salsa made from an old family recipe.
New neighbor Adam Boatsman of Boatsman Gillmore, PLLC, a local CPA firm, walked away with both People's Choice and Chef's Choice awards for his guacamole.
Winners received Cantina 1511 gift certificates, along with commemorative silver or gold wooden cooking spoons.
"We're already talking about doing it again," said Sally Auguston, HMH Charlotte general manager. "Maybe next time, it'll be chili and cornbread."
About HMH
With offices in Portland, Ore., and Charlotte, N.C., HMH is a 31-year-old full service marketing communications firm serving a wide range of local, regional and national clients. HMH offers brand strategy, advertising, media buying, public relations, graphic design and digital services.
About Cantina 1511
With restaurants in the Dilworth area of Charlotte, and in Ballantyne, N.C., Cantina1511 (www.cantina1511restaurant.com) uses true south-of-the-border inspiration to stir up its cuisine. Founder Frank Scibelli and his culinary team regularly visit different regions of Mexico to find the right flavors to incorporate into this concept. Cantina's menu boasts memorable items such as table made guacamole, Queso Fundido, Tacos Marco Polo and Mexico City style tacos and burritos. The culinary team serves made-from-scratch cheeses and tortillas, perfect to satisfy any diner.
HMH Guac This Way Guacamole Contest
Winner of People's Choice and Chef's Choice
Adam Boatsman, Boatsman Gillmore, PPLC
- 6 avocados
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- 3 Roma tomatoes, peeled, seeded, drained and diced
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon red chili spice
Place avocado in a large bowl and mash thoroughly with a fork. Stir in lime juice, diced tomatoes, onion and garlic, and chopped cilantro. Add seasonings and mix well.
Chill, serve and enjoy.
Photos
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1) Foreground, left to right: People's Choice salsa winner Samantha Hutchison, AC&M; Pacino Mancillas, AC&M; and Betsy Grant, HMH, sampling the entries at Guac This Way.
2) & 3) HMH creative director Shawn Kelley designed the colorful posters and invitations used to promote the agency's Guac This Way happy hour.
4) Cantina 1511 chef Sam Diminich served as judge in the Chef's Choice category. Wanda June Koch Photography.
