Winner! Winner! Cocktail Contest At Sababa
by Priscilla Willis
So you like to unleash your creativity behind the bar? Keep your ear to the ground for future cocktail contests at Sababa Restaurant and Lounge. We’re updating you with the winner of the Holiday Cocktail Contest which was judged on November 21st.
SababaRestaurant& Lounge hosted a Holiday Cocktail Contest for aspiring mixologists and bar chefs whichever moniker you prefer. The contest ran fromOctober 22 until11:59pm on Friday, November 15. The winner who muddled and mixed the most creative and toast-worthy beverage received a $250Sababagift card AND had their drink featured onSababa’s cocktail menu throughout the holiday season.
Professional and novice bartenders were invited to submit an original, non-published holiday cocktail recipe using seasonal ingredients. A trio of finalists were selected and competed before a panel of judges atSababa’s onThursday, November 21. The winning cocktail was judged on its creativity, innovative ingredients and overall flavor.
Amateur Mixologist Tiffany Harding of Tustin took the competition by storm, surpassing competitors with her 
“Our cocktail menu is our calling card,” said Sagi Rothman, owner ofSababaRestaurantand Lounge. “We have a very progressive menu and are always looking for new and inventive drinks to introduce to our guests. I think this contest will result in some spectacular drinks, and I’m looking forward to see which one makes the final cut,” said Sagi during the contest hype.
Second and third place contestants enjoyed a $100 and $50Sababagift card as well.
Nightly entertainment, fabulous cocktails and an eclectic menu that includes American favorites and Middle Eastern specialties,Sababa’s lounge is a popular place for locals and visitors to Long Beach and the popular beach-side community of Belmont Shores.
Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, spiced with cumin. My friend Ally had the amazing opportunity to experience the food and culture of Israel on aTaste of Israeltrip and declared her first taste of Shakshouka as 14 seconds of pure ecstasy. I’ve never been to Israel, but Sababa’s Shakshuka ($12) will do nicely as my 14 seconds of ecstasy she must have gotten only one bite because my moment lasted a little longer than that.
If you crave more than the usual club scene, I highly recommend visiting Sababa on the second and fourth Friday of each month when they feature a truly unique and visually stimulating aerialist act that will leave you soaring.
SababaRestaurant& Loungeis located in The Marketplace at the corner of Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway (near Trader Joe’s and Bev Mo). For more information, call562.252.3572or visit online atwww.gosababa.com.
