Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1787
58 / the tasting panel / august 2009 Y ou might think that a cock- tail contest held on Long Island would include the obvious local Iced Tea. But if that contest were held on a Sunday at Claudio's Clam Bar, you'd know for sure it was about only one thing: Bloody Marys. "They may serve wine down the road, but here, Bloody Mary is the king," said Peter Foley, a former local who returned for the event and for the memories. Claudio's has been a North Fork institution since Prohibi- tion, when it operated as a fine French restaurant downstairs and an illegal drinking parlor upstairs. Today, with its coveted wharf location, it's a destination in its own right, with a low-key but lively vibe—ideally situated for the first annual Bloody Mary competition, held in June. Blind-Tasted Bloodies Inspired by an annual horseradish com- petition held by the local Polish community, Claudio's Manager Steve Pisacano put out the feelers for a like contest featuring the East End's favorite weekend cocktail. Thir- teen restaurants claiming the best Bloodies had the chance to throw down their gloves. Only two would earn bragging rights to the best. With Absolut vodka on site, approximately 1,000 people queued up all afternoon to Drinks Hot Blooded story and photos by Lana Bortolot Keith Giacobbe of Southern Wine & Spirits with Steve Pisacano, Manager of the competition's host restaurant, Claudio's Clam Bar in Greenport, New York. An East End Bloody Mary competition provides bragging rights for some talented Long Island bartenders Claudio's manager Steve Pisacano preps the Bloody Mary bar for the crowds. Participating Long Island Restaurants/Bars Claudio's Clam Bar, Greenport Crabby Jerry's at Claudio's Digger O'Dell, Riverhead The Dory, Shelter Island Elbow East, Southold Fisherman's Rest, Cutchogue Four Doors Down, Mattituck Legend's, New Suffolk Soundview Restaurant, Greenport Tweeds, Riverhead Orient by the Sea, Orient