The Best of the Best
Locals Dazzle at Best of the EC Event
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “the Best of the Emerald Coast?”
Chase Alexander Photography |
For some, it’s all about their favorite seafood. Others are reminded of exceptional service they received from a local retailer or where they go for a fun night out. Whatever it is that makes you love the EC, on October 24, 2015 there was only one place where you could find all the best things situated in one convenient (not to mention gorgeous) venue: the Best of the Emerald Coast event in Grand Boulevard.
Earlier this year, readers of EC Magazine were invited to vote via a ballot insert for their favorite restaurants, shopping, entertainment and service providers. After Coastal Accounting tallied the votes, the winners of the 2015 Best of EC awards were revealed in the October/November issue and readers were given the 150 best reasons to love the Emerald Coast.
To honor all those who won the coveted "Best of EC" award, Emerald Coast Magazine hosted a celebration for the 16th annual Best of EC event on Saturday, October 24. The event, which benefited the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, started at the crack of dawn as volunteers of the Junior League and employees of the magazine started setting up tents and tables around Grand Boulevard’s main road.
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As the day unfolded, winners from different categories were eager to set up their booths – but some tents required a lot more work than others. Proffitt PR, for example, set up a beautifully decorated area that resembled the inside of a luxury beach house living room, complete with two flat screen televisions to watch the football games later that night.
As the night progressed, Cumulus Radio’s booth jammed out with the “Best Band,” Cadillac Willy, on stage. Restaurants like Jim N’ Nick’s and Cantina Laredo pulled out their delicious treats for the evening and the VIP tent was set up with special tastings from Jackacuda’s and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. The tent also included complementary wine and beer, and Facetime PhotoBooth. Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, a generous sponsor for this year’s event, served up some of their delicious brewskies and played games with guests. The night was all about fun, games and great food. Attendees could let their nose lead the way to Mama Clemenza’s, where they served up pizza, pasta and their best red wine.
To balance all the food one might’ve eaten, Blueprint Health Studios not only offered great fitness advice, but also gave out two-minute massages to promote their studio’s massage therapy. Infinity Flooring showcased their most magnificent flooring and backsplashes, and also handed out bright green insulated bags – perfect for holding all the swag accumulated throughout the night.
As the night closed, people stuck around talking and sipping drinks even after the event ended at 9 p.m. College football fans crowded around whatever televisions they could find to watch the last few minutes of their game.
The Best of EC event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Florida Lottery and the other amazing sponsors throughout the night. The Junior League of the Emerald Coast had all hands on deck and helped pull off what was quite possibly the BEST Best of EC event yet.
In case you missed the festivities, you can check out all the winners of this year’s Best of EC here.
