Best South Cape Martini Competition returns
Public decides who wins the coveted honor of best drink and accompanying bite
Get your taste buds ready and drinking caps on, as the South Cape’s premiere pub crawl returns for its 19th installment next Saturday. This annual event features creative concoctions and good eats at various downtown establishments.
At South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association’s Best South Cape Martini Competition, locals can enjoy a one-of-a-kind martini, as well as an appetizer sample at the Jan. 25 event. With an interactive component, it’s up to the public to decide which South Cape spot comes up with the most unique and palate-pleasing drink and dish.
“SCHEA is incredibly excited about this event as it highlights the vibrant community of South Cape and showcases everything it has to offer,” said spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “From unique dining and entertainment experiences to a sense of connection and celebration, this event is the perfect opportunity for people to come together and support local businesses while enjoying all the charm that South Cape has to offer.”
Limo buses will be provide to take attendees to four designated areas, where they can then walk to multiple establishments. Tickets include unlimited rides, a passport to all sampling locations, martini and appetizer samples, a voting ballot and access to win prizes at the official photo booth. Attendees who get their passport stamped at each venue will be entered to win a martini gift basket.
Quinn said with bragging rights on the line, those who take part embrace the spirit of competition.
“The participating establishments love the friendly competition and get incredibly competitive to claim bragging rights,” she said. “They take pride in crafting unique and creative concoctions to stand out. They pull out all the stops to impress attendees. It’s all in good fun and adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as each location showcases their talent and creativity to claim the top spot.”
Participating locations and their samples include:
• BackStreets Sports Bar – Chocolate Covered Pretzel Martini & Pulled Pork Slider
• Cruisers – Lemon Blueberry Martini & Raspberry Lemon Torte
• The Dive – Sugar Cookie Martini & TBD
• Dixie Roadhouse – Watermelon Cucumber Martini & Caprese Skewers
• Hooked Island Grill – TBD
• Monkey Bar – TBD
• Paradise Pizza – TBD & Pizza
• Rack’em Spirits & Times – Pickle Martini & TBD
• Ralph’s Place – TBD
• Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – Creme Brulee Martini & TBD
• Tiki Bar – TBD
Having been a staple in the South Cape for nearly 20 years, Quinn said this event is a true showcase of what downtown Cape Coral is all about.
“This event has been a favorite for 19 years because it’s a great way to experience all that South Cape has to offer,” Quinn said. “Every year, the bars step up their game with fun and creative drinks and people love coming back to see what’s new. It’s the perfect mix of good times, local spots and friendly competition that keeps everyone coming back for more.”
Festive garb is encouraged and can be rewarded at the official SCHEA photo booth at the South Cape Hub. Pictures that are posted publicly on Facebook are entered to win four free tickets to SCHEA’s Cupid’s Pub Crawl on Feb. 15.
Guests can check in from 6 to 7:30 p.m. under the entry awning of the Dolphin Key Resort (1502 Miramar St.) and at Big John’s Plaza. Late check-in will take place until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key.
This event is 21-plus. Valid ID at check-in will be required.
Tickets are $25 in advance with designated driver tickets at $20. Tickets are available only on Eventbrite. Designated driver tickets include everything the normal ticket does, other than the drink sample, which can be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage. Day-of tickets are $30, if available.
More information can be found by visiting southcapeentertainment.com.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com