The 9th Annual Crab & Wine Taste-off was held January 22, 2012, and the results are in for the competition between five local restaurants.
This event is sponsored by the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association (SCMWA), and offers the opportunity to enjoy many wines alongside special crab dishes created especially for the occasion. People visit five restaurants and each restaurant has two different dishes available. For the full 2012 menu, read my preview article.
After trying the selections, attendees vote for their favorite crab dishes in five categories including a new category for 2012: Customer Service. Winners are awarded in two divisions, “Consumers” (general public) and “Professional Judges” (press and hospitality industry).
As you can see from the list below, Paradise Beach Grille won in the most categories. I can speak from personal experience and assure you that Paradise’s two dishes were wonderfully delicious. If you want to save the date for next year, it’s January 20, 2013.
2012 Winners
Judges Choices:
- Best Dish Overall: Paradise Beach Grille (Scallop and Dungeness crab mousseline with balsamic syrup – see photo featured in this article)
- Most Creative Dish: Paradise Beach Grille (Dungeness crab salad served on a polenta cake accompanied by cioppino with crème fraiche)
- Best Presentation: Café Cruz & Paradise Beach Grille
- Best Experience: Ma Maison & Michael’s on Main
- Best Customer Service: Ma Maison
Consumers Choices:
- Best Dish Overall: Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort (Pomme Pillow Crab Cake with Crab Gravy, Caviar Crème Fraiche and Chives)
- Most Creative Dish: Sanderlings at Seascape Beach Resort (Crab, Honeydew and Cantaloupe Salad, with Candied Walnuts and Honey Lemon Mustard Dressing)
- Best Presentation: Paradise Beach Grille
- Best Experience: Paradise Beach Grille
- Best Customer Service: Paradise Beach Grille
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