Competition to Create the City's Best Martini Heats Up
There’s some stiff competition this year to create the winning martini at the 3rd Annual RiverTini Pour-Off, an event that benefits the San Antonio River Foundation. “These are not Frank Sinatra’s martinis,” says San Antonio River Foundation Executive Director, Estela Avery, of the unique drinks that are created specifically for this event. “We ask that each drink reflect the spirit, culture, and renewed sense of vitality of the San Antonio River.”
For the past two years Blanca Aldaco, of Aldaco’s Stone Oak, has taken the top prize with original martini creations featuring tequila infused with jalapenos and guayabas. This year’s host, Executive Chef René Bajeux of Brasserie Pavil, says it’s time for a new champion and is determined to take home the trophy, an oversized martini glass etched to commemorate the event. “That martini glass is coming home with us this year,” says Jan Bonugli, Restaurant Sales and Catering Manager for Watermark Restaurants.
Past martini concoctions have included cucumber and lime (earning the Cork Bar at the Hotel Contessa the people’s choice award), sushi, pop-rocks, chocolate, and more. This year’s competitors aren’t leaking their recipes just yet, and include Aldaco's Stone Oak, Auden's Kitchen, Boudro's, Brasserie Pavil, Cork Bar at the Hotel Contessa, Jason Dady Restaurants, Lüke San Antonio, Quarry Hofbrau, Q at the Hyatt Regency & Achiote River Cafe at the Grand Hyatt, and Vbar at the Hotel Valencia.
The event is sponsored by Brasserie Pavil and Republic National Distributing Company, with all proceeds benefitting the San Antonio River Foundation. Tickets for the event are on sale now at www.sariverfoundation.org, and include entrance to the event to sample some of the most creative martini masterpieces, hors d'oeuvres, and a raffle ticket. Thursday, March 31, 2011, 5pm to 7pm at Brasserie Pavil, 1818 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78248.
