CROW has annunced the winners of the 40th Taste of the Islands which included Love Boat ice Cream’s Sinfully Cinnamon Apple Cake taking home the prize for the best dessert. Here are all the winners.
Best Appetizer: Cielo – Ahi Tuna “Nachos”
Best Meat: Old Captiva House – Pomegranate Glazed Lamb Chops
Best Seafood: T2 – Roasted Salmon with Vegetable Quinoa
Best Vegetarian: Sanibel Fresh – Madras Curry
Best Dessert: Love Boat Ice Cream – Sinfully Cinnamon Apple Cake
Best Adult Beverage: Doc Ford’s – Coconut Mojito
Taste of Taste: Sanibel Fresh – Madras Curry
People’s Choice: Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen
The judges were: Peter Busch, Gina Birch, Jarred Harris, Gloria Jordan, Norman Love, Holly Smith, Dr. Charlotte Cournoyer, and Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff.
The winning restaurants served samples of their winning dishes at the exclusive Taste of the Islands VIP Party held for the sponsors of the event. Marcus Preece of Cielo served up their winning best appetizer. “Being a part of the Taste of the Islands is an annual event for Cielo. It is such a great experience. Meeting all the supporters of CROW who come out to enjoy meals prepared by restaurants, whether it is on premise, at the ‘crawl’ events, or even watching all the food preparations virtually through social and mainstream media, is an experience not to miss each year. If you have not joined The Taste of the Islands as a restauranteur or as a supporter, you are missing out on a wonderful time.”
VIP Guests also experienced a behind-the-scenes look at CROW including guided hospital tours and animal ambassador interactions. CROW’s Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey said, “As the longest running Taste in the Lee County area and the longest fundraiser for CROW, we are blessed to have the support and partnership of the restaurants and sponsors for this 40th Taste as well as throughout the year. Thank you to all who participated and made it such an amazing success!”