The Mandalay Banquet Center was the hot spot for breakfast cocktails today as the 4th Bloody Mary Showdown kicked off this morning at 11am. Produced by Planned2Give this fundraiser pitted nineteen area bartenders against each other, all putting their own twist on this classic cocktail, powered by Svedka Vodka. VIP ticket holders started the morning off with a buffet breakfast before the taping and at 11:45am the doors opened to general admission ticket holders as well making for a packed house! There were spicy drinks, and sweet drinks and even a green tomato bloody mary. Garnishes ranged from home make pork rinds, to shrimp, chicken wings, cheese, tomatoes, pickles and some glasses had rims dusted with celery salt, spices and so much more!
Participating bartenders from :
Archer’s Tavern, Bargo’s, Bar Granta, Brixx Ice Company, Calypso Grill & Smokehouse, Dewberry 1850, Fift h Street Brewpub, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Meadowlark, Miami Valley Gaming, Milanos, Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company, The Barrel, TJ Chumps, Troll Pub, Trolley Stop, Tuty’s Bar & Grill and Wheat Penny.
The Winner from the last two years, Scott Conrad, who competed from The Vue, retired from competition, but was still on hand sampling his winning mix, now being bottlled and sold at retail as RAD’S Bloody Mary Mix. Pictured to the right with Scott is Heather Robinson, who was the liquor rep who helped pull off the original Showdown several years ago.
Also on hand to sample their canned cocktails was Cutwater Spirits, a new entry into the Dayton market. Their pre-mixed cans are just perfect for cabrewing or tailgating!
At 1:45pm the 50/50 raffle was drawn and $750 was raised for FilmDayton, this years charity partner, while Angela Wooten from Piqua walked away with $750. Raffle prizes including Snow Globes from Stewardship Resources, local restaurant gift certificates and 937 Party Bus. were also auctioned off and finally at 2pm the winners were declared:
Best Table Decor: TJ Chumps
Best Garnish: TJ Chumps
Deviled egg with a candied bacon
Best Bloody Mary:
3rd place: The Bloody Derby made with Old Forester created by Brook Paxon of The Troll Pub
The Troll Pub’s bloody started with a splash of Old Forester bourbon, then bloody mix, and lastly Svedka vodka!
2nd place: Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary Mix by by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company
Papi Joe’s finished 3rd last year, moved up to 2nd this year!
Dayton’s Best Bloody Mary for 2019: Berzelsass’s Best Bloody created by Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg. Jenn walked away with $500 and bragging rights!
So if you were paying attention, first time participant TJ Chumps swept the awards this year.
A view of the raffle table during the VIP Hour.
These ladies were decked out with Bloody Mary Glasses they made!
Bargos Agave Maria was made with a green tomato base!
It was great to have Tuty’s back this year!
Brixx garnished their cocktail with a custom made omelette!
Miami Valley Gaming took a gamble on the competition!
We heard the Meadowlark’s Bloody was an easy swilling not to spicy drink!
Trolley Stop offers one of the area’s best make your own bloody bars every Sat & Sun.
First time participants Calypso Grill serve up a great brunch at their place!
Tara was our ARTINI champ last year, and makes a great Bloody Mary as well!
Jenna from The Barrel joined us for the 2nd year!
