SoDel Cares nets $6,800 from Woodford Food Fight Throwdown

The competition was hot and heavy at the Fourth Annual Woodford Food Fight Throwdown April 26.

More than 100 people gathered on the patio at Fish On in the Village of Five Points, Lewes, to taste the entries submitted by eight restaurants, from Lewes to Selbyville. Event proceeds benefit SoDel Cares, the philanthropic arm of Rehoboth Beach-based SoDel Concepts.

Each restaurant presented a creative cocktail featuring Woodford Reserve straight bourbon whiskey. The cocktail had to pair well with an equally innovative dish.

Fish On won the best drink awards for Mimi’s Iced Tea, a peach- and lemon-infused Woodford Reserve Bourbon with a peach tea simple syrup, house-made iced tea, fresh lemon juice and bitters. The glass rim was dusted with brown sugar.

The host restaurant also won the best pairing award. The dish was fried St. Louis ribs with cherry-bourbon barbecue sauce and peach cornbread.

Crust & Craft received best dish honors for arancini (rice balls) with bourbon-braised beef shank, caramelized onions, Cooper sharp cheese fondue and raspberry jam. The arancini was paired with a raspberry sidecar, a blend of Woodford Reserve Rye, Grand Marnier, raspberry simple syrup, fresh lemon and sugared raspberry.

“The chefs and mixologists really stepped up to the plate and wowed the guests with their talents,” said Danielle Panarello, administrator of SoDel Cares and vice president of operations for SoDel Concepts. The sold-out event raised more than $6,800.

SoDel Cares supports local organizations assisting children, at-risk youth and adults, and older people. The charity’s primary mission is to positively contribute to the communities where SoDel Concepts operates.