Taste Around Winners

THE LOBSTER TRAP, RISTORANTE VILLA PORTOFINO, STEVE’S STEAKHOUSE AND LLOYD’S OF AVALON WIN THE 7TH ANNUAL TASTE AROUND OF AVALON

AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND, June 5, 2011 – The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the seventh annual Taste Around of Avalon, is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s “Best Tastes”. This year’s winner of the “Best of Food” is The Lobster Trap, the “Best of Drink - with alcohol” winner is Ristorante Villa Portofino, the “Best Taste of Drink - without alcohol” winner is Steve’s Steakhouse and “Best Taste of Dessert” winner goes to Lloyd’s of Avalon.

Fifteen food and beverage establishments offered 28 “tastes” in the annual event held last Thursday, June 2nd as the kick-off to the four day Flying Fish Festival. Each first place winner receives $100. Almost 1100 participants enjoyed the beautiful evening tasting the scrumptious food, dessert and drink offerings.

The Lobster Trap won in the “Best of Food” category. They served up a mouth-watering selection of delectable seafood tastes, including coconut shrimp, and bacon wrapped scallops. In a close race, Steve’s Steakhouse came in 2nd place with tri-tip, clam chowder and a blue crab cake and Avalon Grille came in 3rd place with prime rib sliders.

The “Best of Drink – with alcohol” was won by the Ristorante Villa Portofino with their Smortini, a delicious concoction and an obvious crowd pleaser. 2nd place went to the Marlin Club for their Shark Bait drink and Luau Larry’s came in 3rd with their Sailorfish drink.

The “Best of Drink – without alcohol” was won by the Steve’s Steakhouse with his Patriot Lava Flow. In 2nd place was El Galleon for the Zarape drink and 3rd place was the Catalina Country Club.

Lloyd’s of Avalon won first place for the Best Taste of Dessert with English toffee. Dessert Island and Café Metropole came in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

Congratulations to all the winners. We hope to see everyone at the next year’s Taste Around of Avalon on Thursday, May 31, 2012.