ST. PETERSBURG, FL — For the first time in Top Local Chef’s nine-year history, one local chef was the winner of both the popular vote and the judges’ vote.
Top Local Chef 2018: The Brewlicious Edition paired some of the area’s best chefs with some of the best craft breweries to create a unique culinary experience. The event is produced by LocalShops1, Tampa Bay’s top coalition of locally owned businesses; and Club Savor, the area’s top dining club.
Chef Beau Wallace, co-owner of Beau n Mo’s Italian Eating House in St. Petersburg, took home the awards. Runner-ups were Chef Peter Schulenberg, Berlin’s Doener (judges’ vote) and Chef Mike Silverstein, M-N-M BBQ (popular vote), both in St. Petersburg. The other finalists were Chef Paolo Polo, Acqua Alta, Ristoranti Clearwater; Chef Kristi Capone, Avocado, St. Petersburg; Chef Christian Osores, The Breakroom Bar & Grill, Clearwater; Chef Jeremy Tatarow, Bros Pizza and Bar, Largo; Chef Terrell Manning, Manning Catering Enterprises, St. Petersburg; and Chef Bobby Inthavong, Rain Sushi and Thai Restaurant, St. Petersburg.
The participating breweries were 3 Daughters Brewing, St. Petersburg; Arkane Aleworks, Largo; Dunedin Brewery, Dunedin; Flying Boat Brewing, St. Petersburg; Green Bench, St Petersburg; Mastry’s Brewing, St. Pete Beach; Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, St. Petersburg; Pinellas Ale Works, St. Petersburg; St. Pete Brewing, St Petersburg; and Stilt House Brewery, Palm Harbor.
The sold-out event took place Nov 4, 2018, at the historic Manhattan Casino in St. Petersburg, with award-winning journalist Noah Pransky of 10 News returning for another year as the event emcee. The judges’ choice was determined by rankings including presentation, taste, and best use of ingredient. The panel of celebrity judges featured judge Ray Lampe, aka Dr. BBQ, and the area’s top food critics and bloggers: Laura Reilly, Tampa Bay Times; Scott Pooler, Tampa Bay Restaurant Review; Jean E Totti, What the Fork Are you Eating?; Syd Willis, Foodies Network 727; and Lori Brown, St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Reviews.
Popular vote was determined by a dollar per vote, with funds going to the non-profit SailFuture, which helps teenage foster youth in crisis with housing, mental health care, private education, sailing, and vocational training. SailFuture received 100 percent of the money collected for the popular vote, and 25 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships. Altogether the event raised more than $2,000 for SailFuture. Top Local Chef also featured appetizers by Intensity Academy Gourmet Sauces, desserts by Pipo’s Cuban Cafe, and special treats by Taste Of The Islands Restaurant (sponsored by Takeout Button). The awards were designed by artists from Creative Clay, a St. Petersburg non-profit.
About LocalShops1
LocalShops1 is a coalition of hundreds of independently owned businesses and tens of thousands of shoppers with the mission of advocating, promoting and offering support services to companies throughout Tampa Bay. Founded in August 2008, LocalShops1 is the region’s most active voice for small businesses.
About Club Savor
Club Savor helps you save more, so you can enjoy more. Club members and a guest each receive half off one entrée and half off one single-serving alcohol drink at dozens of local participating restaurants and bars. Members also have access to local deals in beauty, health, pets, travel, entertainment, and shopping.