CAPITAL COCKTAIL CLASSIC | charleston, wv
- WineCheeseScallops
- Oct 6, 2024
- 3 min read
This year’s Capital Cocktail Classic was nothing short of extraordinary! Held on a perfect fall day with the sun shining and a gentle breeze, the event took us on a culinary and cocktail journey through downtown Charleston. Sponsored by Jackson Kelly, Fund for the Arts, and Dutch Miller, the Classic brought together the best local restaurants in a friendly competition, and we were more than ready to cast our votes.
Who does this event support?
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 their 11 member art groups. Their mission is to provide "One Gift for All the Arts," and by donating to the cause and attending these 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.
The contest, running from 4 to 7 PM, allowed us to stroll from one hotspot to the next, savoring creative tapas and sipping innovative cocktails along the way. It was hard to decide which we enjoyed more: the incredible food or the inventive drinks! Here’s a breakdown of the highlights from each participating restaurant:
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Bar 101 + Ichiban: Loaded Egg Roll & Razz Yuzu Chill
Our first stop was Bar 101 + Ichiban, where we were greeted with their delectable Loaded Egg Roll. This was no ordinary egg roll—crisp and golden on the outside, the interior was packed with flavorful fillings, bursting with textures and savory goodness. Think pork belly, maybe a little kick of spice, all wrapped up in a perfectly crunchy shell. It was rich, indulgent, and exactly the kind of thing you want to pair with a refreshing drink. And that’s where the Razz Yuzu Chill came in—a bright, zesty cocktail that balanced the egg roll’s richness with notes of raspberry and a subtle tang of yuzu. A match made in foodie heaven!
DT Prime: Tuna & Seaweed Tapas & Watermelon Bourbon Cooler
Next up, we headed to DT Prime, where we found ourselves enjoying one of Josh’s all-time favorite dishes: seaweed salad. Their Tuna and Seaweed Tapas was light, fresh, and perfectly complemented the tender, rare tuna. Every bite was a burst of umami goodness! Their Watermelon Bourbon Cooler was a fun twist—refreshing with the sweetness of watermelon, but packing that bold bourbon finish. Josh loved how the fresh, summery flavor of the watermelon kept the drink from feeling too heavy. I am allergic to watermelon so they accomodated me with a crisp sauvignon blanc. DT Prime definitely scored extra points with us, especially with Josh's love for seaweed salad!
Fife Street Brewing: Filet & Wedge Salad Tapas & Blood Orange Mule
Over at Fife Street Brewing, they served up a classic with their Filet and Wedge Salad Tapas. The filet was cooked to perfection—tender and juicy, paired with a crisp wedge salad that offered a great balance of crunch and creaminess. But it was their Blood Orange Mule that stole the show! We didn’t expect to love it as much as we did—the blood orange brought a tangy sweetness, while the ginger beer kept it light and fizzy. It was refreshing yet complex, and it quickly became a favorite.
Sam’s Uptown: Crab Cake Slider & The Phoenix
Our final stop was Sam’s Uptown, where we dove into their Crab Cake Slider. The crab cake was flavorful, with just the right amount of crisp on the outside and a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside. But it was The Phoenix cocktail that really caught our attention. Made with lavender—a personal favorite of ours when it comes to cocktails—the drink had an ethereal aroma and a beautifully floral taste that made it stand out. The lavender’s subtle sweetness blended perfectly with the other ingredients, elevating the entire experience.
From start to finish, the event was an absolute blast. The walk between restaurants was made even better by the gorgeous weather, and the variety of flavors and creativity on display had us talking about each stop long after we left. While we have our favorites, we’re excited to see who will be crowned the winner!
To find out which restaurant takes home the title, stay tuned to Fund For The Arts: https://www.facebook.com/FFAWV
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