provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) in conjunction with title sponsor, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank, announced the winners of the 40th Taste of the Islands during an inaugural VIP Party hosted at CROW’s Visitor Education Center.
Local judges Peter Busch, Gina Birch, Jarred Harris, Gloria Jordan, Norman Love, Holly Smith, Dr. Charlotte Cournoyer, and Geoff and Robbie Roepstorff rated the restaurants’ offerings in a variety of categories while Passport holders voted for the ‘People’s Choice’ award sponsored by Rosier Insurance.
Taste of the Islands 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 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!”
David Lowden, Bank of the Islands/Edison National Bank Vice President noted to the attendees, “This is the twelfth year in a row that Bank of the Islands has led the sponsorship for CROW’s signature fundraiser, and we are proud to continue to support this fine organization and its vital mission.” CROW’s Executive Director Alison Charney Hussey acknowledged the participating restaurants, 31 for this year’s Taste, and all event sponsors which included Waterman Broadcasting as Lead Media Sponsor, The Silverman Organization and VCA Sanibel Animal Hospital as Executive Chef Sponsors, Waste Management as Sous Chef Sponsor, and Island Sun & River Weekly Newspapers, The Sanibel Islander/Island Reporter, and Santiva Chronicle as Supporting Media Sponsors.
About Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Established in 1968, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a teaching hospital saving the sick, injured and orphaned native and migratory wildlife of Southwest Florida and beyond. Through state-of-the-art veterinary care, public education programs and an engaging visitor center, CROW works to improve the health of the environment, humans and our animals through wildlife medicine. For more information, or to plan your visit, go to www.crowclinic.org. If you find an animal that is in need of help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222.
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