Winners of the Best Martini Contest in Lafayette

Annual fundraiser for Project Second Chance reveals some interesting cocktails

Last week, a bunch of bartenders from all around the East Bay got together at the Lafayette Park Hotel for the annual martini making contest to benefit Project Second Chance. This year's event raised $13,000+ for this outstanding adult literacy program. To see photos from the event, click here. And here's information about the winning cocktails:

Bartender Leonard “Buzz” Buzzard of Zio Fraedos’s (Pleasant Hill) captured the judges’ first prize of $500 for his original creation, the Thai-tini. Feliz Parra of Havana (Walnut Creek) took the $300 second-place award for his Tamarind ‘tini, and The Ladybug, concocted by Julie Jaluska of Yankee Pier (Lafayette) won the $100 third prize. 

Don Beatty (Jackson’s Wine & Spirits), Barney Fonzi (Diablo magazine), Jay Lifson (Lafayette Chamber of Commerce), Sara Tamayo (Tamayo Family Vineyards), and Lisa Wrenn (Contra Costa Times) served as judges.

The People’s Choice Award, determined by attendees, was given to Jason Mead of Moresi’s Chophouse (Clayton) for his espresso-cookie-rimmed Tiramisu Martini.

Other participating establishments included Back Forty Texas Barbeque (Pleasant Hill), The Bistro at the Lafayette Park Hotel, Esin Restaurant & Bar (San Ramon; moving to Danville in July), Metro Lafayette, Mr. Lucky’s Bar & Grill (Walnut Creek), The Peasant & the Pear (Danville), Piatti (Danville), Prima (Walnut Creek), Roundup Saloon (Lafayette), and Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Walnut Creek).

The popular event was co-sponsored by Level Vodka by Absolut and the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa. Live music was provided by Generations in Jazz.

Posted at 11:46 AM in Best Of Editor Picks | Permalink