AVALON, CATALINA ISLAND - The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of the fifth annual Taste Around of Avalon, is pleased to announce that this year's winner of the "Best of Taste" is The Lobster Trap, the "Best of Drink" is the Steve's Steakhouse and the new official category "Best of Dessert" went to the Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company. 

Eighteen food and beverage establishments participated in the annual event held last Thursday, May 28th as the kick-off to the four day Flying Fish Festival.  Almost 1000 participants enjoyed the evening tasting the scrumptious food, dessert and drink offerings.

The Lobster Trap received 164 votes in the Best of Taste category.  They served up a mouth-watering selection of delectable tastes including blackened sword fish, seared Ahi, bacon wrapped scallops, oysters, clams and ceviche.  Close behind in votes for the Best Taste  was the Ristorante Villa Portofino in 2nd place and Steve's Steakhouse in 3rd place

The Best of Drink was won by the Steve's Steakhouse with 101 votes.  Their winning drink was a Strawberry Arnold Palmer with infused vodka ice tea, a delicious concoction and an obvious crowd pleaser.  In 2nd place for the Best Taste of Drink was El Galleon and 3rd place was The Landing Bar and Grill.

The Catalina Coffee & Cookie Company received 99 votes for the Best Taste of Dessert with an original yogurt flavor from their new frozen yogurt bar.  Participants chose their own toppings, ranging from various chocolate toppings to assorted fresh fruit. A close race, second and third place went to Ristorante Villa Portofino and Lloyds of Avalon, respectively. 

To encourage Tasting participants to visit as many establishments as possible, the Chamber also held a raffle drawing for a $25 Catalina Island gift certificate.  To qualify, tasters had to have their voting cards validated at a minimum of ten participating establishments. The winner of the $25 gift certificate is Lily McGraw from Orange County.  

We hope to see everyone at the next year's Taste Around of Avalon on Thursday, June 3, 2010.