Hundreds partied like Lob-STARs this past Saturday, June 25th at the San Pedro Lobsterfest 2011. Not even a quick downpour could stop the crowd from enjoying all the offerings at the block party. From around 5pm, eager lobster lovers headed to the various booths in hopes of getting their fix of that ever-so-tasty crustacean. Over a dozen gaily decorated booths provided a variety of treats, from mixed drinks and chocolate shots to lobster in everything: tacos, tamales, bacon-wrapped, sushi, on-a-stick, in jalapeño poppers, plus mango-chipotle lobster, grilled lobster tails, lobster hot dogs. The variety was endless, the flavors sensational, and the atmosphere, rockin’!
Judges had the hard task of sampling some of the wares, determining which treats would take the prize. It was a hard decision, especially when judging was interrupted by a little rain, but in the end, along with the input of the revelers, the winners were decided. Taking the best drink was Caliente’s Chocolate Lobster. Award-winning bartender Enrique “Cacaruchi” Luna served up a crazy delicious creamy blended drink with chocolate covered lobster bits at the bottom. Strange as it may have seemed, the combination worked!
Best food was hard to decide as well, but in the end, with the encouragement of the crowd, two winners were chosen. First prize went to Elvi’s Kitchen. Chef Jennie Staines’ creations included lobster tamales, hot-dogs, spicy coconut curry lobster salad in a sweet crunchy waffle cone (clever!), grilled tails, crepes and more. Second place went to the super energetic Ramon’s Purple Parrot/Pineapples Crew. The boys were enthusiastic from the start of the evening through the end, under the rain and after a good soaking. With delicious bites like the lobster stuffed jalapeños, bacon wrapped lobster and the sweet, smoky lobster on a stick, washed down with the Purple Parrot, or a watermelon mojito, they also had their happy fans.
Best booth went to the hard-working ladies at Dazzling Divas (Bowen tent). With pretty masques, feather boas, yummy drinks, beer on tap and in bottle, plus energy (and glitter!) to spare, the ladies made sure to keep customers happy. There was much to enjoy at this community event, and to end the night, Supa G came onstage to help everyone continue partying like lob-STARS.
Congratulations to all the winners – and a big THANK YOU to all the participants at this year’s festival. Your presence is what made the 2011 ‘fest so amazing. The organizers would also like to thank the San Pedro Town Council, and Samuel Gonzalez, and all the crew of volunteers who helped with setting up, cleanup, and more. Your hard work is appreciated. Another hard worker at this year’s festival was Rebecca Arceo – and everyone involved would like to acknowledge her unwavering support at the Lobsterfest. Everyone is already looking forward to the 2012 edition, and we can only imagine what surprises are in store. See you there!
