The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau, sponsor of the thirteenth annual Taste Around of Avalon, is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s “Best Tastes.” This year’s winner of the “Best Taste of Food” is Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood and the “Best Taste of Drink – with alcohol” winner is Maggie’s Blue Rose. The “Best Taste of Drink – without alcohol” is Encanto Cafe and the “Best Taste of Dessert” winner is Lloyd’s of Avalon.
Fifteen participating establishments offered 29 “tastes” in the annual event, held this year on Thursday, June 1st . Each first place winner receives $100 and the top three winners are honored in the annual Catalina Island Visitors Guide, as well as on the Chamber’s website. Over 600 participants enjoyed the beautiful evening tasting the scrumptious food, dessert and drink offerings and then voting for their favorites.
Steve’s Steakhouse & Seafood garnered top honors in the “Best Taste of Food” category, serving their Coconut Shrimp & Teriyaki Mushroom Steak. In second place was Avalon Grille with their Bison Taco, and third place went to Bluewater Avalon for their Lobster BLT Sliders.
In the “Best Taste of Drink – with alcohol” category, Maggie’s Blue Rose came out victorious with their Tropical Lei, with Mi Casita’s Cucumber Margarita coming in 2nd. 3rd place went to El Galleon with their delicious rendition of the Buffalo Milk, a Catalina Island classic.
For the 3rd year in a row, Encanto Café at the Island Spa Catalina won “Best Taste of Drink – without alcohol” for their fresh-pressed juice. Finishing in 2nd place was Maggie’s Blue Rose, for their Guava Flow. 3rd place was earned by Coyote Joe’s for the Bernadette Smoothie.
Lloyd’s of Avalon won first place for the “Best Taste of Dessert” with their Peanut Butter and Raspberry Brownie Bites, while Scoops’ frozen lemonade earned them 2nd place. 3rd prize went to Bluewater Avalon for their Marble Cheesecake.
Congratulations to all the winners. A big thank you goes out to all the food and beverage establishments for participating and to all the residents and visitors who came out for the evening and voted for the Best Tastes of Avalon.
