Annual Best Martini in DC Contest

I was super excited for the 4^th Annual Best Martini in DC Contest and was really happy I went. It was a fabulous time and I am shocked more Unilocalers were not in attendance. For $ 15 (in advance; $ 20 at the door), you received approximately 10 shot-​sized martinis from DC mixologists and various small nibbles. In addition, attendees rate the martinis based on drink, taste, creativity, and presentation, and those scores, combined with scores from judges, are used to choose the winner, who happened to be Ed Howard from Crackle Bar. The martinis were all based around Absolut’s® Wild Tea Vodka, which sponsored the event. I did not have any of the food, save for a sushi roll. Food was served on trays, and people basically crowded around the kitchen door, waiting for servers to appear with trays. I recommend eating before going.
I enjoyed the location — Beacon Bar & Grill. The event was held beyond the bar/​restaurant area in the function room area. The rich wallpaper, mirrors, and paintings were quite classy. While the event was crowded, I never felt like I was being pushed around or that lines were too long at any of the stations. Also, after ballots were turned in, attendees were invited to enjoy more martinis. After we were finished judging, Brian and I went to Beacon’s bar, where we enjoyed $ 5 martinis (all day, everyday states the menu). We went back into the event to wait for results, and my now full-​size martini glass was filled with whatever drink was left over from the event. I will say that ladies’ restroom situation was not good — one private restroom near the restaurant entrance, and it had a fairly long line. The restroom was warm and clean though.
A great event that will definitely be on my radar for next year.