Pictured: The Overton preps caffeinated pick-me-ups and chocolate goodies for the 2019 Best of SRQ Local celebration. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

The SRQ community came out in force this past Friday for some sold-out fun and food at the Aloft Hotel—where SRQ celebrated the 2019 Best of SRQ Local Awards. With a courtyard packed to the corners with revelers and partygoers, folks enjoyed not only some of the finest weather this side of the sunset, but select offerings from several of the competition’s winners, such as Duval’s and Element. Beginning with sliders from Patrick’s, tacos from El Toro Bravo and sushi from Jpan, guests washed it down with brews from Calusa, vodka from State Street Eating House and a special single-barrel bourbon courtesy of Mattison’s. Desserts flew fast and thick, including donuts from Five-O Donuts, meringue and donuts from OfKors Bakery, baklava from Zildjian Catering and brownies from The Overton, which also served up cold brew to boost flagging spirits at the end of a long Friday. And for those looking for a healthful pick-me-up between the bar and the dance floor, CROP juice brought more than enough all-natural, cold-pressed goodness for the kind of nightcap that starts the next party off right.

Thanks to all of our voters and sponsors for another successful competition—and a special thanks to all the local vendors and businesses that give SRQ something to party about each year.

Pictured: The Overton preps caffeinated pick-me-ups and chocolate goodies for the 2019 Best of SRQ Local celebration. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.