This year’s Art of the Cocktail was golden!
With a “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” theme, this popular event hosted by Hammond Regional Arts Center, was a sweet and fierce competition among mixologists from nearly a dozen local restaurants.
Winning the golden ticket for the People’s Choice award was Nola Mia Pizzeria’s “Hibiscus Dream Factory.” Served by Nola Mia manager Liz Wild and bartender Braden Carollo, this vibrant margarita was made with fresh blood oranges, a house-made hibiscus-infused syrup, fresh lime juice and Teremana tequila. The refreshing “Hibiscus Dream Factory” also placed second for the Judges Choice award and is currently on the drink menu at the restaurant.
Taking first place for the Judges Choice was Benteaux ‘s “Scrumdiddlyumptious.” Served by Ryan Oliphant, this creative and appropriately themed cocktail was a mixture of St. Roch Vodka, Yuzu, Shiso simple syrup and peach Peace Tea. “Scrumdiddlyumptious” also placed second in the People’s Choice category.
Placing third for the People’s Choice Award was Cena’s “Beauregarde Bramble.” Made with a blend of blackberry liquor, peach schnapps-flavored vodka and lemon juice, this fruit-infused drink was topped with a fresh blackberry. Coming in third place for the Judges’ Choice was Our Mom’s Restaurant’s “Cucumber Smash” which was a blend of rye whiskey, lime and fresh cucumbers.
Drinks were not the only thing free flowing at this year’s Art of the Cocktail. There was an abundance of creative displays.
Using her own “Pure Imagination,” Julia Cervini decorated Jacmel Inn’s table with a glittery gobstopper motif to serve their cocktail containing “Everlasting Liqueur” which also contained lychee, rose petals and raspberries. Serving tart candy clusters that I personally could not stop eating were Skyler and Holland, who were passing out The Spot’s purple-colored “Violet’s Revenge.” And The Rind Cheese shop designed a two-tiered candy bar-themed charcuterie board for this event. There were also miniature Wonka bars available for guests, which contained small golden tickets.
Several competitors chose to use creativity in their outfits. Jamie, server for The Steakhouse’s “The Golden Hour” drink, was dressed as an Oompa Loompa, with Milan dressed as Willy Wonka himself. Also donning a purple hat and Willy Wonka-inspired attire was Truth Hookah Lounge’s Thomas Moore IV. But Thomas used his imagination to create more than an interesting outfit. For each “Vanishing Act” drink he served, Thomas added a coffee bubble on top of his reimagined espresso martini.
Also dressing up for this occasion was art teacher Shayla Kelly who was in a head-to-toe Willy Wonka outfit complete with a hat and cane. Speaking of fun hats, GGB interior designer Michelle Juneau wore a candy-covered headpiece which she created especially for this event.
Yes, this year’s artistic drink competition was sprinkled with golden creativity and fun. Cheers to Hammond Regional Arts Center on another successful Art of the Cocktail. Congratulations to all the winners!
For more information about upcoming events at Hammond Regional Arts Center, including the exclusive annual members mixer on April 17, visit their website at hammondarts.org or call 985-542-7113. The HRAC is located at 217 E. Thomas St. and is open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday.
Pamela Cali Bankston, R.N., is the published author of the Frizzy Frieda Books and a Columbia Theatre and Hammond Regional Arts Center board member.
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