Most would agree that there are three major elements required to host a fabulous party. A stunning venue? Check. Music made for dancing? Check. Mouthwatering cuisine? Oh, yeah. Plus, you’ll be in good company—the best company, in fact.
You’re invited to celebrate alongside the winners of Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards at our annual Best Of Party held Thursday, July 25 at the Decker Half Moone Center in Downtown Norfolk. It’s an evening of Sizzle, Salsa and Swoon as the theme Hot Havana Nights takes over for an evening of live entertainment from Tumbao’Salsero (featuring Latin rhythms from a 14-piece orchestra), a cash bar with specialty themed drinks and delectable foods from top-notch local restaurants.
Here’s a preview to whet your palate. Visit CoVaBestOf.com to learn more and purchase tickets.
Duck Donuts’ Donut Holes
Duck Donuts knows a thing or two about feeding a flock, so they’ll bring their famous cinnamon/sugar and powdered donut holes, cakey and delicate like the original but in a dainty, bite-sized portion. It’s certainly something to quack about.
Locations in Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.
DuckDonuts.com
Freemason Abbey’s She Crab Soup
An award-winning specialty of this Norfolk staple, Freeman’s she crab soup features a seasoned blend of lump crab meat and cream with sherry. Freemason Abbey took home the prize for best dish at our 2017 Best Of Party—will they once again be voted the party fave?
209 W Freemason St., Norfolk
757-622-3966
FreemasonAbbey.com
Kahiau’s Bakery & Café’s Whiskey BBQ Jackfruit Tacos
Lovingly touted for its health benefits, jackfruit wins folks over with its hearty mouthfeel and savory undertones, making this fruit a popular plant-based “meat.” Kahiau’s jacks this fruit into high gear with a tangy whiskey barbecue sauce that’s sure to win over even the most dedicated carnivores.
3712 S Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach
757-340-0071
Kahiaus.com
La Bella Italia’s Rigatoni Pasta with Bolognese
Bring your appetites for La Bella’s hearty rigatoni. These tantalizing tunnels of pasta are enveloped in the restaurant’s classic meat-based Bolognese, presenting the purest Italian flavors you adore. Now that’s amore.
1065 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach
757-422-8536
LBILaskin.com
Lolly’s Mini Sundae
This adorable ice cream sundae features Lolly’s Real Deal Vanilla Ice Cream with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, topped with a strawberry and their signature Lolly’s Sauce, a combination of brownie batter, salted caramel and other secret ingredients. Swoon—then pass the spoon.
4966 Euclid Road, Virginia Beach
757-968-2630
Lollys.Online
Primo Pizzeria E Ristorante’s Tortellini A La Rosa
Tortellini’s origin goes back to the goddess Venus, but you can enjoy this season’s special version at the party. This divine tortellini dish bursts forth with flavors of shallots, fresh thyme, plum tomatoes and cheese.
4540 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach
757-499-0049
2277 Upton Drive, Suite 702, Virginia Beach
757-430-7777
PrimoPizzaVB.com
TASTE’s Cuban Sliders
TASTE’s take on a classic Cuban sandwich features layers of baked ham, melted Swiss, crunchy dill pickles and their famous Hot House Dressing on a torta slider roll. Instead of using the typical Dijon mustard, their Hot House Dressing brings a flavor that is uniquely theirs while still offering a generous amount of spice. TASTE offers a wide variety of gourmet specialty catering options (including sliders!), perfect for your next event.
Locations in Chesapeake, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
Taste.online
Twisted Sisters’ Cupcakes and Sugar Shack Cafe’s Rosé Cupcake
What’s better than a cupcake? Perhaps a cupcake created with Canned Dry Rosé from The Williamsburg Winery. Channeling the whimsical watercolor art featured on the can (created by local Virginia Beach-based artist Reba McConnell), this cupcake is almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
2724 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach
757-675-3966
TwistedSistersCupcakes.com
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery’s Cubanita
Smoked and shredded mojo pork is topped with grilled ham, Swiss cheese, pickled mustard seeds and a fried tortilla on top of black bean purée with a mojo pork broth. Petite in size, big on Cuban flavor.
504 N King St., Hampton
757-224-1216
TheVanguard757.com
But wait—there’s more! Visit CoVaBestOf.com for the most up-to-date list of restaurant offerings featured at the event.
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.
