The food was flying – literally flying – Thursday evening as eight teams competed for Havasu Top Chef.
Hosted by the Lake Havasu Hospitality Association, Havasu Top Chef was at SARA Park Rodeo Grounds.
This year, the event included a new competition – mixology.
Teams that competed included Boathouse Grill: David Hankins and Zachary Turlington; Minor’s Diner: Kristina Minor and Kevin Jacobs; Angelina’s Italian Kitchen: Amanda Davis and Jayden Bonham; Niko’s Grill and Pub : AJ Reddick and Sherwin Nurse; SummerRay: Theron Tilgner and Crystal Schneider; College Street Brewhouse: Gary Chacon and Tiffany Taylor; Mudshark Public House: Shawn Haynes and Diane Wiland; and Sweetbreeze Crepes: Rhonda Anderson and Janet Rodgers.
Crystal Schneider of SummerRay competes in Havasu Top Chef Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Each team had 30 minutes to make a special plate for three judges consisting of four mystery ingredients for each round.
Those who came out for the event enjoyed taste tests, craft beer, music and more. Funds raised benefit the Hospitality Association.
Here is the list of winners.
The People’s Choice:
1st: Boathouse Grill
2nd. Angelina’s
3rd: SummerRay
Best Drink for Mixology:
Cha’Bones: Thomas Ramsden
Overall Winners:
1st: Boathouse Grill
2nd: Mudshark Public House
3rd: College Street Brewery
4th: SummerRay
Boathouse Grill wins People’s Choice Award Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJudges Carrie Anderson, Jason Helart, and Aymie Spitzer sample drinks at Havasu Top Chef Thursday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneLaurie Doyle of The Rickety Cricket competes in Havasu Top Chef. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneMary Reynolds participates in the Mixology competition during the 2023 Havasu Top Chef. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneAdrian Lopez talks about his drink with the judges during Havasu Top Chef 2023. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneThomas Ramsden wins Mixologist Award from Regan Ross-Roberston at the Havasu Top Chef. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneLaurie Doyle and Curtis Volk talk to the judges during the mixology portion of the 2023 Havasu Top Chef. Jillian DanielsonThomas Ramsden of Cha’Bones participates in the 2023 Havasu Top Chef Mixology Competition. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverScene
Copper Still Distillery Bottles line up on a table during the Mixology Competition. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneThe Boathouse Grill celebrates as they receive first place trophy. Jillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverSceneJillian Danielson/RiverScene
We look forward to enjoying the great and well thought out menus at the Boathouse grill each year. We have stayed @ the islander for years and find the Boat House grill a perfect addition to this overall excellent experience. While the food is great the people are fabulous across the board relecting the pride, passion and effort required to serve great food experiences.
Congrats on well deserved win at this years event!
Best
Don & Emily
What a nice event. I agree with the
Boat House Grill. Their food is extremely delicious.
We look forward to enjoying the great and well thought out menus at the Boathouse grill each year. We have stayed @ the islander for years and find the Boat House grill a perfect addition to this overall excellent experience. While the food is great the people are fabulous across the board relecting the pride, passion and effort required to serve great food experiences.
Congrats on well deserved win at this years event!
Best
Don & Emily