Fund for the Arts hosts the "Capital Cocktail Classic" event where four local restaurants compete by serving signature cocktails and appetizers as participants sample and vote for their favorites. Participants vote to crown “Best Cocktail in Town”



My friend Erin and I took on the task to try these pairings and determine which we enjoyed the most.



Black Sheep

Food:
Apricot-braised shredded brisket sliders with sweet jalapeno slaw and chili-honey drizzle on a toasted Hawaiian roll

Drink:
Dragon’s Breath cocktail featuring Tito’s vodka, cucumber vodka, jalapeno simple syrup, dragon fruit and soda water with a tajin, jalapeno and cucumber garnish



DT Prime

Food:
Hernshaw Farms portabella mushroom wellington with fig glaze and a New York Strip shaved beef roll stuffed with cream cheese and jalapenos from Gritt’s Farm with a blackberry balsamic reduction.

Drink:
Blackberry Sangria with West Virginia blackberries marinated in Devil’s Due blackberry moonshine, then blended with housemade red sangria and lots of fresh fruit.



Bar 101/Ichiban

Food:
Crispy pork eggroll with a delicious roasted tomato curry sauce

Drink:
Appalachian Sour cocktail featuring Old Forrester bourbon, house-made fuji apple-ginger puree, a splash of sour mix and lemon juice with a cinnamon apple garnish.



Sam’s Uptown Cafe

Food:
“Land, Sea & Air” meatball trio – one made with a signature crabcake filling, one with duck sausage and one with wild boar in a rich heirloom tomato romesco sauce with caramelized onions and aged cheddar.

Drink:
Tropical Jungle Bird cocktail made with exclusive Venezuelan-made Diplomatico dark rum, Campari, lime juice, pineapple juice and simple syrup with a lime garnish.



My favorites included Black Sheep's cocktail because I loved the spice from the tijan with the sweet drink. And my favorite meal has to go to DT Prime for not only one delicious snack, but two.

"Fund for the Arts hosts events such as Capital Cocktail Classic and The Wine & Jazz Music Festival as a way to raise funds to support our 11 member art groups. Our mission is to provide "One Gift for All the Arts," and by donating to our cause and attending our events you support: Charleston Ballet, Charleston Chamber Music Society, Charleston Civic Chorus, Charleston Light Opera Guild, Children’s Theatre, Clay Center, Friends of Old Time Music and Dance, River City Youth Ballet, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, West Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and WomanSong."