Martini Competition to stir-up South Cape on Jan. 26
Some like it shaken and some like it stirred. And those with an adventurous streak and love to try new things may give a Tiki-Tini a whirl. And, then there is the chance to sip a Mystic Mango or a Chocolate Covered Pretzel Martini.
These are just a few of the creative concoctions to be shaken up by South Cape restaurants, bars and nightclubs as part of the seventh annual Kiwanis Best South Cape Martini Competition.
The best part, organizers say, is that you can be one of the judges!
Guests at the “Kiwanis Best South Cape Martini Competition” will leisurely travel around the South Cape entertainment district on a special fleet of trolleys stopping at the 10 participating establishments to relax with a custom cocktail and appetizer. At the end of the evening, everyone votes on their favorite drink. There will be three categories of martinis: classic, exotic and dessert. The competition, as always, is expected to be fierce.
Get your tickets in advance. There’s are only 1,000 tickets, and they always sell out quickly.
“My favorite part of this event is seeing the many visitors strolling about and saying: I had no idea there were so many great businesses here in South Cape,” said Helen Ramey, CRA Economic Development manager, in a prepared statement. “Two years ago I spoke with a woman from Maine that plans her annual trip to Cape Coral around this one event” she added.
The South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency created this event in 2007 as part of its “stimulus program” to get feet on the street and to introduce everyone to the great establishments in the South Cape Dining and Entertainment District.
In 2011, the CRA transitioned away from special events and transferred responsibility for the many programs so that it could focus on its Vision Plan effort and re-drafting of the Land Use and Development Regulations. This event was transferred to the Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, though the CRA continues to assist with the planning and implementation of the competition.
Joanne Stevens, the owner of Ralph’s Place will be making the Mystic Mango Martini, a cocktail that gave her the 2010 Best Exotic category winner.
“This event brings in people from Punta Gorda, Bonita and Naples” said Stevens. “It is great to see 1000 people discovering the best South Cape has to offer all in one evening”.
Tickets are now available for purchase at the these locations:
Leapin Lizard, 1719 Cape Coral Pkwy E., 542-6400
Ralph’s Place, 1306 Cape Coral Pkwy E., 541-5484
Dixie Roadhouse, 1023 SE 47th Terrace, 541-7900
John Michael’s Fine Jewelry, 1331 Cape Coral Pkwy E., 549-2099
Cruiser’s Lounge, 1517 SE 47th Terrace, 542-5533
Chicago Pizza, 1341 SE 47th Terrace, 945-2262
Monkey Bar, 1428 Lafayette Street, 549-8800
Paradise Tiki Hut, 1502 Miramar Street, 540-8454
Ticket sales locations accept only cash or check made payable to: Cape Coral Kiwanis
Starting at 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 26, ticket holders will gather at either of the two check in locations, Leapin Lizard or near Ralph’s Place in Big John’s Plaza to obtain their wristband and passport to the event. Then trolleys will take them to the 10 different locations. The cost of the ticket covers the transportation, the martini samples, and the appetizers. Attendees must check-in by 8 p.m.
Special Designated Driver Tickets are also available on the date of the event for $10 for groups of two or more, and will allow the designated driver to taste all the appetizers and have access to the trolleys, but no alcoholic drinks. In addition, taxis will be available throughout the South Cape area.
For those desiring to enjoy the evening in South Cape and not worry about driving, the Holiday Inn Express, Dolphin Key Resort and Hampton Inn are located within walking distance of the Martini event.
Source: Community Redevelopment Agency