What does an art organization do when it’s undergoing construction but still hosting a fabulous event? Spin it into the theme, that’s what.
Peninsula Fine Arts Center (PFAC) hosted their annual Artini fundraiser on Friday, March 8 at Christopher Newport University’s Peebles Theatre. Construction is currently underway to move the Arts Center to CNU’s campus (with a scheduled completion in summer 2020), and to commemorate the new building, PFAC themed this year’s event “Bricks and Bubbles.”
More than just a clever play on words, the theme was also shaken into the focus of the drinks—local bartenders were challenged with crafting cocktails that displayed a bit of effervescence, and they rose to that challenge like bubbles to the top of a Champagne flute.
A fabulous assortment of martinis were entered into this creative competition. Judges George Culver (I Heart Food), Jeff Maisey (Veer), Andi Petrini (Daily Press), Kim Wadsworth and I tasted the concoctions and scored each based on flavor, creativity and use of ingredients. With our scores totaled, we determined that the top martini of the evening was Gallina Grasso Italian Kitchen’s Bolle, created with St. Germain elderflower liqueur, vodka, lemon, mint and Prosecco.
The People’s Choice Martini was a Prickly Pear Martini from Schlesinger’s, made with ginger beer and Prosecco.
A new element to this year’s event was the competition of food tastings. This award went to Juan’s Mexican Café and Cantina for their beef rib tostada with guacamole, grilled corn and salsa.
Participating restaurants included Circa 1918, Waypoint Seafood & Grill, Fin, Riverwalk Restaurant, Juan’s Mexican Café and Cantina, The Deadrise, Kismet Bistro at 99 Main, Mellow Mushroom, Schlesinger’s, El Diablo Loco Cantina & Tequila Bar, Nest, Gallina Grasso, James River Country Club and Bella’s Custom Cakes.
This year’s Artini raised over $31,000 in critical funds for PFAC’s Art Access and Healing Arts programs.
Angela Blue
Angela Blue has served as editor-in-chief for multiple lifestyle publications and copy editor for several cultural institutions and nonprofits. A seasoned writer, she enjoys sharing stories that spark curiosity and build connections. Angela lives in Norfolk with her husband and two kids and enjoys reading, running, cooking, and spending time on the Lafayette River.
