I never turn down a good time…so when my friend, Megan (I Run for Wine) invited me to the Pink Martini Party at the Florida Aquarium last week, I couldn’t resist! Benefiting Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, this gala was especially near and dear to my heart. Mingling with Megan as well as fellow bloggers, Isabel (Family Foodie) and Lauren (blogger for Tasting Tampa), we enjoyed a note-worthy night filled with sea life surroundings, tasty hors d'oeuvres, perfectly pink martinis, adorable penguin friends and one seriously awesome fashion show.
The Food
Walking through the dark and never-ending Alice in Wonderland loop that is Tampa's Florida Aquarium, a unique ambiance was ensured for the flocks of guests who came to support a very important cause. Sharks, eels and colorful fish provided a scenic landscape to the food and drink stations that were conveniently placed in each and every corner of the aquarium.
Fresh tomato bruschetta, a true crowd pleaser, was enjoyed by many.
Sushi Rolls (at an aquarium, go figure!) were towered high with tuna and lump crab varieties.
Tri-colored tartlets made with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and pesto were deliciously rich and flaky.
Lobster Cobblers were little bundles of food heaven. A warm luscious lobster mixture was generously stuffed into each pastry cup. With calorie ignorance, I could’ve eaten twenty, easily.
The Fashion
An edgy and entertaining fashion show doubled as an auction with all proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen. Several local talented designers put their best faces forward with dresses, hats, T’s and more.
Opening the show, these stunning models boasted some trend-setting apparel designed by Natalia Villafana.
These male models rocked graphic T’s from South Tampa’s boutique, Urban Body. Handing out roses to the lovely ladies in the audience, they scored some bonus cool points.
Classy and convertible, The Fashion Authority’s dresses are all magically the same dress but knotted, folded and tied in different ways. Fashion fun at its finest!
The Fun
Datz Delicatessen showed their support for this fabulous event by creating the martini of the night- Pink Martinis made with 360 vodka, ginger liquor, grenadine and a slice of lime. Super sweet with a kick of vodka, they added some extra excitement to the evening.
Two irresistible penguins created quite the buzz when they made their way around the aquarium, smiling fondly at all of their new human friends.
A Photo booth was the highlight of the night for Megan and I who knocked heads and hysterically laughed while trying to quickly shuffle through the props for each shot. Needless to say, we weren’t very speedy in our wardrobe changes. (Pictures coming soon).
Quite possibly the most excitement I’ve encountered on a Tuesday night in years, The Pink Martini Party benefited Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with 100% of the event’s proceeds going to breast cancer research, screening and education. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is on October 6th in St. Peterburg at Vinoy Park.
Register for the race or make a donation here.
