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ABSOLUT Vodka’s quest to find the best Bloody Mary in America ended Oct. 18 at the 2014 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. We have reason to celebrate (with a Bloody Mary!) because the winning entry came from Chef Irene Moretti of Springfield’s Tavola Restaurant + Bar.
Her creative spin on a traditional Bloody Mary, the Garden Bloody Mary Blend, proved to be the crowd favorite with over 850 votes for her recipe in the People’s Choice Award category.
After submitting her recipe into the competition months ago, Moretti was delighted to find out that out of hundreds of qualified entries, ABSOLUT had selected her Garden Bloody Mary Blend as the winner for the state of Pennsylvania and also one of the country’s top 12 finalists. She then joined 11 other bartenders from across the United States to showcase her recipe to a massive crowd and a panel of celebrity judges during the Chopped! Best Bloody Mary Brunch.
What sets the Garden Bloody Mary Blend apart from the competition? Moretti’s Garden Bloody Mary Blend is made with fresh ingredients like house-made bread and butter pickles in brine and herbs and vegetables grown on-site—gardens that Moretti plants and maintains herself. These ingredients are mixed with the perfect blend of spices and both ABSOLUT Peppar and Cilantro Vodkas, complemented by a skewered piece of Shrimp Lejon garnish.
“I loved the entire experience,” said Moretti. “It was such a thrill to be able to promote Tavola, represent the state of Pennsylvania and share my recipe with such a welcoming and engaged audience. Everyone seemed to love the Garden Bloody Mary Blend, but winning the People’s Choice Award still came as a shock because there were so many other amazing recipes in the competition.”
To enjoy the People’s Choice for Best Bloody Mary in America, you don’t have to travel far. The Garden Bloody Mary Blend can be enjoyed at Tavola Restaurant + Bar. If you’re lucky, Moretti may just be the one who prepares it for you.
Tavola is open for lunch, dinner, drinks, late night bites and Sunday brunch. For reservations, call (610) 543-2100 or visit www.tavolas.com.
Tavola Restaurant + Bar is located at 400 West Sproul Rd. in Springfield on the grounds of Springfield Country Club.
