You’ve been to beer fests and wine fests, food and desert tastings, but have you ever been to a Bloody Mary festival? The Market Shops recently hosted a unique event that was a true treat for your taste buds! From 12-3pm, guests were able to indulge in zesty Bloody Mary’s made with Cathead vodka concocted by fifteen of the area’s top restaurants and bars. Bijoux Restaurant & Spirits, Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer, Bud & Alley’s, DIG Eatery, Great Southern Café, Louis Louis, Mama Clemenza’s, Nola Boiling Company, Signature Catering of 30A, Stinky’s Fish Camp, Sunset Bay Café, The Beach House, The Bowery, The Craft Bar & The Perfect Pig were all competing for the title!
If tomatoes don’t tickle your fantasy, there were cold craft beers provided by Grayton Beer Company and a bubby Mimosa Bar courtesy of Coastal Wine & Spirits. The sun was shining and the outdoor shopping center was buzzing with excitement for this sold out event. Think a Bloody Mary is only tomato juice and vodka? Think again! This festival broke the mold and the chef’s really pushed the envelope with their spicy mixes. There were green tomato drinks, hot and fiery drinks and garnishes that blew your socks off! Say goodbye to the traditional celery garnish, there were crab claws, shrimp, beef jerky, jalapenos and bacon galore!
In between samplings, guests took time to gather their friends for a festive photo op in the Facetime Photobooth. Throughout the afternoon there was fabulous live entertainment by Sound Advice and delicious food available for purchase by local favorites, Bijoux, DIG and Island Wing Company. Proceeds from the event benefited Sinfonia Gulf Coast and their commitment to entertaining, educating and inspiring the community through their imaginative and innovative musical programming. Each guest was given a token to cast their vote for the Best Bloody Mary in South Walton and the 1st Place People’s Choice Award was Bijoux, 2nd Place People’s Choice Award was Bud & Alley’s and 3rd Place People’s Choice Award was The Beach House. Bud & Alley’s was proud to take home the title of the Judges Choice Winner!
