Chocolate Week Includes Bartending Competition

Chocolate Week will feature some "spirited" competition as Tom, David and Ali from B98.5 Pork Roll and Eggs Morning Show host a showdown of local bartenders, who will showcase their signature chocolate drinks.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. is part of and will feature a full lineup of TGI Friday's competitive bartenders who will be judged by flair, creativity and service.

Guest judges will include Christopher Schwab, President of Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Dan Taylor, President of the Southern Ocean County Community Foundation and Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director for the region.

Along with the contestants, TGI Friday’s guest DJ will be keeping the room alive, along with a Valentine’s photo booth and other surprises.

The audience can take part in the bidding for the bartender’s drinks, along with a entering a drawing for a list of prizes including a pair of tickets to see "Nice Work if You Can Get It" on Broadway, four lift tickets to Wyndam Mountain, remote car starter gift certificate to Tronix, a pair of tickets to America's Got Talent, a pair of tickets to Blue Man Group and $50 gift certificate to Friday's of Manahawkin.

Last year’s bartending competition raised $5000, which was presented to the Southern Ocean County Community Foundation during their Taste of Southern Ocean County Hunger Relief Dinner and Auction.

A night made possible by local chefs and business community, the foundation is planning their 18th Taste Dinner “Havana Nights” on April 24 at Sea Oaks Country Club in Little Egg Harbor.

To date, the Foundation has given more than $470,000 to seven food banks within Southern Ocean County. For more information on the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce, Taste Dinner and Chocolate Week information go to www.visitLBIregion.com or call 609 494 7211. To reserve your spot for this Chocolate Week Party, contact TGI Friday's at 609 489 0950.