The Savannah Harbor Foundation has announced its inaugural gourmet seafood, spirits and music celebration, called AquaCurean, will take place from April 25-27 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa.
AquaCurean will showcase some of best seafood and hand-crafted spirits from Savannah and around the country. The AquaCurean Challenge includes a seafood recipe competition and a hand-crafted cocktail competition.
“AquaCurean will be an exciting weekend for seafood lovers and those that appreciate the craft of mixology,” said Mark Spadoni, chairman of the Savannah Harbor Foundation. “The event will showcase some of the best seafood on the Atlantic Coast and Gulf, including some of the best recipe creations from Savannah and the Lowcountry. AquaCurean was created to take the place of the PGA Champions Tour Legends of Golf Tournament as a key weekend event opportunity in 2014.
“We have wanted an upscale seafood and spirits event for a long time and when the April date presented itself, we seized the opportunity to create an event during one of Savannah’s most beautiful seasons.”
The foundation hopes to create a community event that draws participation from the local and national stages. Its goal is to raise money for children’s charities here in Savannah.
Competition registration can be obtained now by emailing info@aquacurean.com. Online registration will be available by Feb. 15. The competition deadline is March 21. The website will launch on Feb. 15, with tickets on sale for various weekend events as well as the competition registration information.
AquaCurean Challenge
Seafood Challenge Competitors will submit recipes from categories including shrimp, all other shellfish, saltwater fish and freshwater fish to win cash prizes in both Professional Chef and an Amateur/Student divisions.
Executive Chef Sir Roger Michel, The Westin’s culinary team and culinary schools will recreate signature seafood recipes to be judged by industry professionals. The seafood competition guidelines will include submitting a recipe for six to eight servings and a photo of the dish. An online voting system will encourage people to make the recipes at home or taste them in local restaurants and vote for a “People’s Choice.”
Cocktail Challenge
Competitors will submit recipes from categories including gin, vodka, tequila, bourbon and rum to win cash prizes. These hand-crafted cocktail drink recipes will be recreated and judged by a professional team of mixologists. An online voting system will encourage people to make the recipes at home and vote for a “People’s Choice.”
Schedule of events
• 7:30-10 p.m. April 25: The AquaCurean Challenge at The Westin’s Harbor Ballroom and Harbor Lawn
Top entries from the seafood and spirits competitions will be showcased for tasting and voting. Finalists in each category will be featured at this event and the winners in each category announced. Tickets are $50 per person until March 31; $75 per person from April 1-24; and $90 at the door, if tickets are still available.
• 1-5 p.m. April 26: The AquaCurean Celebration, The Westin’s Riverfront Esplanade
The weekend’s main event is a smorgasbord of culinary champions and cocktail creations. Along the Riverfront Esplanade, music will guide attendees through craft-spirit booths, spirited education, hand-crafted cocktails and award-winning seafood dishes.
Taste some of the leading seafood dishes from around the country with craft spirit tastings and seminars, seafood demonstrations and special surprises. This event is designed for the epicurean, the connoisseur and all those who find joy in the good things life has to offer. Admission includes a souvenir tasting shot glass. Tickets are $75 per person until March 31; $85 per person from April 1-24; and $100 at the door if tickets are still available.
• 12:30-3:30 p.m. April 27: Tail-End Sunday Jazz Brunch at The Westin’s Legends Pavilion
Cruise to the Legends Pavilion for cocktails and shrimp tails, a Bloody Mary bar, Champagne, seafood and breakfast buffet accompanied by jazz music. Tickets are $45 per person until March 31or $55 per person from April 1-24.