The Bloody Mary Showdown returns with more than 500 people expected at the Mandalay Banquet Center next Sunday, Jan. 26, to help decide which of 15 different local bartenders and restaurants serve up the Best Bloody Marys.
The event, now in its fifth year, crowned Jennifer Berz Elsass from TJ Chumps as the first-place winner in 2019. Elsass’ Bloody Mary was garnished with a large shrimp and served with a shot of beer back and a deviled egg. It was truly a showstopper.
>>GUIDE: The best Bloody Marys you can find in Dayton
The winner is decided by ticket buyers who get an opportunity to vote for their favorite classic veggie-based classic cocktail creation. Aside from bragging rights, the winner of the Bloody Mary Showdown earns $500.
THE PARTICIPANTS
This year will feature 15 competing bartenders. Elsass still has not decided whether she is coming to defend her title.
>>LAST YEAR: Newcomer to Bloody Mary Showdown crowned the top winner
• Brixx Ice Company
• Calypso Grill and Smokehouse
• Chappy’s Tap Room
• Dewberry 1850
• Fifth Street Brew Pub
• Meadowlark Restaurant
• Miami Valley Gaming
• Mutt's Sauce, LCC
• Papi Joe's Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company
• Tank’s Bar & Grill
• The Tavernette
• Thyme After Thyme
• Troll Pub
• Trolley Stop
• Wheat Penny
The charity partner for this year’s event is FILMDAYTON, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting Dayton’s film community. “We are building an infrastructure to encourage new filmmaking in the Dayton area,” the organization said on the event’s Facebook page. “FilmDayton originated from the DaytonCREATE effort to foster the growth of the "creative class" and strengthen the local economy. Film = JOBS.”
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The $30 ticket buys the opportunity to taste eight 4-ounce cocktails and the judging credentials to vote for your favorite. To beat the lines and receive 12 drink tickets and one brunch ticket, attendees can purchase a VIP ticket for $50. You can purchase tickets to the Bloody Mary Showdown by visiting planned2give.networkforgood.com.
All guests must be 21 or older and present a valid ID upon admittance.
WANT TO GO?
What: The Bloody Mary Showdown
Where: Mandalay Banquet Center 2700 E. River Road, Dayton
When: Sunday, Jan. 26; Entry for VIP is at 11 a.m., noon for general admission
Cost: $25 general admission with eight tastes; $50 VIP ticket for early admission with 12 tastes and a ticket for one brunch item.