Guests at Taste of Pasadena voted for their favorites in a live taste-off to conclude of SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge Voters at the 2016 Taste of Pasadena at the Rose Bowl voted the Julio’s Passion from
Ruth’s Chris Steak House the winner of the SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge. Pasadena’s Cocktail of the Year won out over
a/k/a Bistro’s Spiced Mango Mule,
Clearman’s Galley’s Wild Berry Sangria and the Rye.P.A. from
White Horse Lounge. Ruth’s Chris, which won the inaugural SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge in 2012 with the Broad Street Hurricane is the first SIP-tember repeat winner. Julio’s Passion is made from Pom Wonderful, lime juice, sour mix, Don Julio Silver and Passionfruit Syrup, garnished with a Lime Twist. The other competition drinks were: [caption id="attachment_3646" align="alignright" width="225"]
Julio's Passion from Ruth's Chris Steak House[/caption]
- a/k/a Bistro Spiced Mango Mule: Made with Trader Vic’s dark and light rums, a/k/a’s unique mango shrub created by our head bartender and featuring Bundaberg ginger beer;
- Clearman’s Galley (The Boat) Wild Berry Sangria: Malbec wine, Black Wild Berry Pucker, OJ, Pineapple, Simple syrup
- White Horse Lounge Rye-P-A: IPA Foam, Rye Whiskey, Grapefruit Juice, Cardamom Infused Honey
The Taste of Pasadena also featured food samplings from some of the Pasadena’s area’s favorite restaurants. 400 guests enjoyed food and drink from many Pasadena favorites, including
Alondra Hot Wings,
Cabrera's Restaurant,
California Pizza Kitchen,
Clearman’s Galley,
Copenhagen Pastry,
Du-Par's,
El Cholo,
Farm Fresh to You,
Lucky Baldwin’s Pub,
Nothing Bundt Cakes,
Pasadena Sandwich Company,
POP Champagne and Dessert Bar,
Simply Cupcakes of Pasadena,
Stark Spirits,
Stonefire Grill,
Twohey’s,
White Horse Lounge and
Whole Foods Market. Entertainment was provided by
Dance Syndicate, whose DJ John had the crowd dancing all evening. The SIP-tember Cocktail Bracket Challenge is a friendly competition among local bartenders to determine Pasadena’s Cocktail of the Year. 32 drinks were entered in a head-to-head bracket competition. Over three rounds, online voters narrowed the field to the four finalist cocktails. Restaurants that took part in the competition were:
a/k/a Bistro,
Alondra Hot Wings,
Bar 1886 at the Raymond,
Bistro 45,
Clearman’s Galley,
Perry’s bluRoom at the Constance Hotel,
PitFire Pizza,
Ruth’s Chris Steak House and
White Horse Lounge. Gold Sponsors of SIP-tember and the Taste of Pasadena are
The City of Pasadena and
Wells Fargo.
The Rose Bowl Stadium generously hosted the Taste of Pasadena. SIP-tember and the Taste of Pasadena are Pasadena Restaurant Week events presented by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and our restaurant and lounge members. View photos taken by Chamber member(s)
Lyd & Mo Photography here:
https://www.facebook.com/lydandmophotography/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1798142813762819
Julio's Passion from Ruth's Chris Steak House[/caption]