2014 CEW Insiders’ Choice Beauty Awards Finalists and Top Beauty Trends

The 2014 CEW Beauty Insiders' Choice Awards finalists have been announced! Celebrating its 20th year, the CEW Beauty Awards recognizes the most innovative products chosen by CEW members, more than 6,000 beauty industry executives and professionals from 1,500 companies. 193 finalists across 32 categories, including the new Iconic Beauty Award category, were chosen from more than 760 product entries. Winners will be selected from the finalists by the CEW Board of Governors and a select group of industry experts and will be announced at the CEW Beauty Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 16, 2014. 

The 2014 CEW Insiders’ Choice Beauty Awards Finalists are:

BATH AND BODY

Bath and Body Mass

Carol's Daughter - Lavender and Vanilla Body Cleansing Scrub

Dove - Go Fresh Restore Body Wash

Eucerin - Eczema Relief Body Creme

Jergens - Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Vaseline® - Spray & Go Moisturizer Total Moisture

Yes to Blueberries - Ultra Hydrating Body Wash

Bath and Body Prestige

Ahava North America - Dead Sea Plants Smoothing Body Exfoliator

Darphin - Silky Moisturizing Lotion

DKNY - Be Delicious Skin

Molton Brown - Pink Pepperpod Body Wash

Moroccanoil - Dry Body Oil

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Future Solution LX Total Regenerating Body Cream

SKINCARE

Acne Treatment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ - One Step Acne Eliminating Pads

Hydroxatone - Anti-acne CC Cream

Mary Kay - Clear Proof Pore-purifying Serum

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Naturals Acne Spot Treatment

Ole Henriksen - Roll On Acne Clearing Solution

Smashbox Cosmetics - Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control

Anti-Aging Mass

Avon - Anew Clinical Absolute Even Multi-tone Skin Corrector

La Roche-Posay - Substiane+ Serum

L'Oréal Paris - Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream

Olay - Regenerist Micro-sculpting Serum

RoC® - Multi Correxion® 5 in 1 Restoring Night Cream

Yes to Grapefruit - Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Anti-Aging Prestige

Clarins - Double Serum

Clé de Peau Beauté - Le Sérum

Estée Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

Origins - Plantscription Youth-renewing Face Oil

Philosophy - Time in a Bottle

SK-II - Essential Power Essence

Cleanser & Scrub

Clarisonic - Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

Elizabeth Arden - Prevage Anti-aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Philosophy - Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-aging Lactic Acid Cleanser & Mask

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Ibuki Gentle Cleanser

Yes to Grapefruit - Brightening Facial Towelettes

Eye Treatment Mass

Avon - Anew Clinical Pro Line Eraser Eye Treatment A-F33

Garnier - Skin Renew Anti-puff Cooling Eye Roller

La Roche-Posay - Redermic R Eyes

Organic Doctor - Organic Virgin Olive Oil Eye Serum

RoC® - Multi Correxion® 5 in 1 Eye Cream

Vichy - Liftactiv Serum 10 Eyes & Lashes

Eye Treatment Prestige

Bliss - Firm, Baby, Firm Total Eye System

Darphin - Eye Sorbet Mask

Elizabeth Arden - Prevage Anti-aging + Intensive Repair Eye Serum

GLAMGLOW Inc. - Brightmud Eye Treatment

Philosophy - Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-aging Eye Cream

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Bio-performance Super Corrective Eye Cream

Lip Treatment

Fresh - Sugar Cherry Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15

Maybelline New York - Baby Lips Dr. Rescue

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Moisture Smooth Color Stick

NIVEA Lip Care - Lip Butters

Vaseline® - Lip Therapy® Rosy Lips

Yes to Blueberries - Naturally Smooth Lip Balm

Moisturizer Mass

AVEENO® - Positively Radiant® Intensive Night Cream

CeraVe - SA Renewing Cream

L'Oréal Paris - Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil

Olay - Total Effects Moisturizer + Serum Duo with Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Simple - Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15

Yes to Grapefruit - CC Creams

Moisturizer Prestige

Bliss -Triple Oxygen Ex-'glow'-sion Vita-bead Infused Moisture Cream

Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

Darphin - Ideal Resource Light Rebirth Overnight Cream

Josie Maran Cosmetics - 100% Pure Argan Oil Light

Origins - Ginzing Energy-boosting Moisturizer

Philosophy - Miracle Worker Overnight Age-restoring Anti-wrinkle Moisturizer

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Ibuki Refining Moisturizer

Skincare Tools

Bliss - Fatgirlslim Lean Machine

Clarisonic - Pedi Foot Transformation System

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare™ - Steamer Solutions

Olay - Pro-x Microdermabrasion + Advanced Cleansing System

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists - Redefine Macro Exfoliator™

TRIA Beauty, Inc. - Age-defying Laser

Sun Product

Coppertone - Clearly Sheer™ for Sunny Days Faces

Kate Somerville - Daily Deflector Waterlight Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++

La Roche-Posay - Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70

Shiseido Cosmetics America - Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector SPF 43

St. Tropez - Self Tan Sensitive Bronzing Mousse

HAIR

Hair Care Product

Alterna Haircare - Bamboo Style Cleanse Extend Translucent Dry Shampoo in Mango Coconut

Aveda - Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil

AVEENO® - Nourish+ Dandruff Control 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

Bumble and bumble - Surf Foam Wash Shampoo

Kerastase - Initialiste Advanced Scalp and Hair Concentrate

Ojon™ - Rare Blend Deep Conditioner

Hair Coloring Product

Color Wow - Root Cover Up

Garnier - Olia

John Frieda Collection - Precision Foam Colour

L'Oréal Paris - Féria Wild Ombré

Wella Professionals - Illumina Color

Zotos International, Inc. - Age Beautiful Anti-aging Permanent Liquid Color

Hair Styling Product

Alterna Haircare - Caviar CC Cream 10-in-1 Complete Correction Leave-in Hair Perfector

Bumble and bumble - Thickening Full Form Mousse

Frédéric Fekkai - Brilliant Glossing Crème

Living Proof - Perfect Hair Day (PHD) 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

Ojon™ - Rare Blend Tamer

TRESemmé - Keratin Smooth Keratin Infusing Serum

MAKEUP

Eye Product Mass

Avon - Mega Effects Mascara

COVERGIRL - Bombshell by Lashblast Volume Mascara

L'Oréal Paris - Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

Maybelline New York - Volum’express The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Crease Proof Eye Shadow

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Tinted Brow Gel

Eye Product Prestige

bareMinerals - Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara

Benefit Cosmetics - Gimme Brow

Clinique - Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes

Dior - Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

M∙A∙C Cosmetics - Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow

Smashbox Cosmetics - Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Face Product Mass

Almay - Smart Shade CC Cream Complexion Corrector

COVERGIRL - Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

FLOWER - About Face Foundation

L'Oréal Paris - Magic Nude Liquid Powder Makeup

Pond's - Luminous Finish BB+

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Chic Luminosity Bronzer/Blush Duo

Face Product Prestige

bareMinerals - Ready To Go Complexion Perfection Palette

Clinique - Superprimer Face Primers

Elizabeth Arden - Flawless Finish Sponge-on Cream Makeup

M∙A∙C Cosmetics - Mineralize Moisture SPF 15 Foundation

Origins - Smarty Plants CC SPF 20 Skin Complexion Corrector

Smashbox Cosmetics - Liquid Halo HD Foundation

Lip Product Mass

Burt’s Bees® - 100% Natural Lip Gloss

FLOWER - Kiss Stick High Shine Lip Color

NYX Cosmetics - Butter Gloss

Revlon - Colorstay Ultimate Suede™ Lipstick

Rimmel London - Show Off Lip Lacquer

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Colour

Lip Product Prestige

bareMinerals - Marvelous Moxie Lipstick

Clé de Peau Beauté - Extra Rich Lipstick

Elizabeth Arden - Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick

Fresh - Sugar Shine Lip Treatment

M∙A∙C Cosmetics - Mineralize Rich Lipstick

Origins - Drink Up Hydrating Lip Balm

MEN’S GROOMING

Acqua di Parma - Shave Oil

AVEENO® Men's® - Shave Gel

Dove Men + Care® - Hydrate+ Face Lotion

Jack Black - Epic Moisture MP10 Nourishing Oil

Lab Series Skincare for Men - Pro LS All-in-one Face Treatment

Molton Brown - Sport 4-in-1 Sportswash

NAIL PRODUCT

COVERGIRL - Outlast Stay Brilliant Glosstinis

Deborah Lippmann® - Celebrity Nail Lacquer in Stronger, Created with Kelly Clarkson

Dior - Nail Glow Healthy-glow Nail Enhancer

Essie - Hors d'oeuvres

Julep™ - Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum

Sally Hansen - Triple Shine Nail Color

SCENT

Men’s Scent

Bond No. 9 New York - The Scent of Peace for Him

BVLGARI - Man Extreme Eau de Toilette Natural Spray

Ermenegildo Zegna - Uomo

Giorgio Armani Beauty - Acqua di Gio Essenza

Gucci - Made to Measure Pour Homme Eau de Toilette

Ralph Lauren Fragrances - Polo Red

Women’s Scent Mass

Avon - Passion

Coty Beauty - Exotic Jasmine by Halle Berry

Demeter Fragrance Library - Sunshine Cologne Spray

Essence of Beauty - Forever Paris Fine Fragrance Body Mist

Pure Romance, LLC - Truly Sexy

Sonia Kashuk for Target® - Eau De Toilette in Pink Innocencia

Women’s Scent Prestige

Coty Prestige - Honey Marc Jacobs

Elizabeth Arden - Untold

Estée Lauder - Modern Muse Eau de Parfum

Hermès - Jour d’Hermès

Michael Kors - Sexy Amber

Tory Burch - Eau de Parfum

ECO BEAUTY AWARD

100% Pure

Aveda

COOLA Suncare

Garnier

Intelligent Nutrients

Naturopathica

ICONIC BEAUTY AWARD

Mass

Burt’s Bees® - Beeswax Lip Balm

Dove - White Beauty Bar

Maybelline New York - Great Lash Mascara

NEUTROGENA® Corporation - Facial Cleansing Bar - Original Formula

Q-tips® - Cotton Swabs

Vaseline® - Jelly Original

Prestige

Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +

Elizabeth Arden - Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

Essie - Ballet Slippers

Estée Lauder - Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

M∙A∙C Cosmetics - Russian Red Lipstick

YSL Beaute - Touche Éclat

INDIE BEAUTY AWARD

7*Days of Wonder

Ciaté

First Aid Beauty

GLAMGLOW Inc.

The New Black

Vapour Organic Beauty

QVC BEAUTY QUEST AWARD

Antonym

Dr. Macrene Skin Results

Joico

Naturopathica

Olie Biologique

Senna

CEW has also unveiled the top beauty trends and most innovative beauty products.

· Get Masked!: Masks and peels saw a 66% sales jump in prestige outlets in 2013 and helped meet consumers’ need for immediate results.

· Size Matters: The mass market was inundated with volume-driven mascaras in 2013, showing that thicker lashes are this years’ must-have.

· Anti-Aging Hair Care: Fighting the signs of aging moved from skin into hair care with creams, serums and even a color made with anti-aging formulas.

· Buzz Words: Gentle, Oil-Based, etc. This year exfoliation is taking a back seat to facial cleansers that treat skin gently. Oils, gentle gels and hydrating cleansers were the stars in 2013.

· Art Inspired Eyes: Beauty companies took an artistic cue by using tints, washes and pigments in their eye formulas in 2013.

· All About CC: CC Creams upped the ante in the alphabet soup of skin care with new tints, sticks and sprays.

· Color Returns to Lipcolor: Glosses and shines were overpowered by deep lip hues with rich, buildable staying power.

· Professional Lines: Products from industry experts are on an upswing, fueled by consumers seeking credibility from their beauty formulas. “Professionals” range from brands by doctors to items by beauty veterans.

Salon Grafix Play It Big!® Volumizing Hair Sprays and Dry Shampoos

To celebrate the launch of the Salon Grafix Play It Big!® collection of hair sprays and dry shampoos, I stopped by Takara Belmont on March 18th for a 'second day hair' dry styling session. During my visit, celebrity hair stylist and makeup artist Brian C. Hawkins walked me through the new hair products, formulated with a unique Keratin Protein Complex to help strengthen hair while delivering bigger and bolder looks. 

I'm really excited about Salon Grafix Play It Big!® Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($9.99 for full size and $3.99 for travel size), since they are available in Brown, Blonde, Black and Clear, tailored to match different hair colors for a flawless finish. Since my hair gets oily if I don't wash it every day, there is no way I would ever do second day hair without a dry shampoo. I also love using a dry shampoo for everyday styling, as it's great for adding texture. 

Salon Grafix Play It Big!® Volumizing Hair Spray ($12.99 for full size and $3.99 for travel size) is available in three hold strengths: Level 2 for Touchable, Level 3 for Shaping and Level 4 for Firmer. Play It Big!® Touchable Hold Hairspray is for volumizing and lift, resulting in smoothed and shaped hair that's still soft and brushable. Play It Big!® Shaping Hair Spray is fast-drying, with moveable body and styling hold and is also humidity-resistant. Play It Big!® Firmer Hold Hair Spray is super-strong and lasts super-long, delivering incredible hold and superior humidity-resistant benefits, without any residue. 

At my dry styling session, my hair didn't feel like 'second day hair' at all. The black dry shampoo absorbed any excess oil, added instant fullness and left my hair feeling refreshed, without any white powder residue that I've experienced with other dry shampoos. I've continued to use the Play It Big! collection, starting with Play It Big!® Volumizing Dry Shampoo, followed by Play It Big!® Touchable Hold Hair Spray while curling my hair, and then locking in my look with Play It Big!® Firmer Hold Hold Hair Spray.

This affordably-priced, salon quality line of hair sprays and colored dry shampoos (first colored dry shampoo at mass!) are now available at drugstores nationwide. 

Second Day Hair with Salon Grafix Play It Big!® Volumizing Collection

- Kim Weling

Brazilian Blowout Treatments and Açai Aftercare Products

Brazilian Blowout recently held an event at Calypso St. Barth SoHo to introduce their newest product launches: Açai Anti-Frizz Shampoo ($34) and Conditioner ($36), Açai Deep Conditioning Masque ($40) and Açai Daily Smoothing Serum ($38). Brazilian Blowout's key stylist, Tyler True walked us through both the Brazilian Blowout Professional Smoothing Treatment and Split End Repair Treatment. 

The Brazilian Blowout Original Smoothing Treatment eliminates frizz, imparts smoothness and radiant shine, while improving hair health. It is the perfect treatment to combat summer heat and humidity. The color-safe treatment is used on curly, coarse, frizzy and wavy hair. The treatment process takes 90 minutes, with no post-treatment down time (you can immediately style, clip and wash your hair that same day), and lasts 10-12 weeks. The treatment is performed by Brazilian Blowout certified stylists  in fine salons nationwide, with costs varying by salon location and hair type. 

 The Brazilian Blowout Split End Repair Treatment, newly launched as an add-on to all salon services, repairs, strengthens, seals and protects ends! It utilizes a proprietary Thermo-Marine Bonding System™ and fills in and binds broken hair fibers together, instantly mending split ends and allows your hair to grow longer. This treatment prevents future breakage by protecting ends against heat styling, hot tools, and environmental stresses. The entire process takes only 10 minutes, with results lasting up to four weeks with and no post-treatment downtime. This treatment is safe for all hair types and is approximately $20-30 and up, with costs varying by salon location. 

The Brazilian Blowout Açai shampoo, conditioner, masque and serum are core aftercare products specially formulated to extend the life of the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Treatment, and provide similar smoothing results if you haven't had the treatment. These core products contain the same Brazilian Super-Nutrient Complex™ found in the smoothing treatment and split end repair treatment, smoothes and promotes shine, are color-safe, and have UVA/UVB protection. These aftercare products are sold exclusively in fine salons nationwide. 

The Açai Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner is humidity resistant and 100% sulfate free, and along with the Açai Deep Conditioning Masque, infuses and locks in moisture and smooths and strengthens hair. The masque is a creamy, rich, intense conditioning masque and reconstructor, while the Açai Daily Smoothing Serum acts as a leave-in styling protectant and eliminates frizz. 

Calypso St. Barth was the perfect place to host the Brazilian Blowout event, as the spring/summer collection really inspired us to think about getaway destinations and shop for travel essentials. 

- Kim Weling

SK-II Pop Up Studios in New York City & San Francisco

This spring, SK-II (P&G Prestige's luxury skincare line) Pop Up Studios will be open to the public in both New York City and San Francisco from April 4th through May 23rd, 2014, featuring its new, state-of-the-art skin analysis tool, the Beauty Imaging System™. 

To celebrate the launch, I was able to preview the SK-II NYC pop up on April 3rd with a 1:1 skin consultation with the Beauty Imaging System™, along with presentations from celebrity makeup artist, Dotti, and celebrity nutritionist, Dr. Oz Garcia. 

I'm also excited to be participating in a 'Facial SKan program', where I'll be using SK-II products recommended during my skin consultation. I'm starting my new SK-II skin regimen tonight, and after 4 weeks I'll revisit the Beauty Imaging System™ at the pop up to see how my skin has improved. I can't wait to share my SK-II experience next month!

If you have a chance to visit the SK-II Pop Up Studios, and get a skin consultation with the Beauty Imaging System™, you'll find that this innovative device will predict the skin's visible age to help determine a SK-II product ritual designed exclusively for your skin concerns. It captures close-up images of the face using a digital camera and then analyzes the images based on the five dimensions of crystal clear, ageless skin: Texture Refinement, Firmness Power, Wrinkle Resilience, Radiance and Tone. 

The SK-II Pop Up Studios also showcases the brand's rich history and 'Secret Key' ingredient, Pitera™, found in all of SK-II products. Pitera™ is an exclusive extract from a unique strain of yeast, produced only in Japan. This singular blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids allow the skin's natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime. The hero of the SK-II skincare collection is Facial Treatment Essence, with 90% pure Pitera™in every bottle. 

SK-II Skin Counselors will be on hand at the studios to provide consumers with:

- Information on the brand and products
- Complimentary Beauty Imaging System™ skin consultations
- Interactive product testing
- Takeaway SK-II product samples

SK-II Pop Up Studio Details:

Locations:
New York City
468 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
Neighborhood: Soho

San Francisco
117 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square

Date: 
April 4 - May 23, 2014
Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm
Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm

For more information on SK-II, visit sk-ii.com and the SK-II blog at BeautyUnearthed.com 

Tweet and Instagram along @SKII_US #SKIIPopUp

Celebrity makeup artist Dotti

Dotti took us through a step by step SK-II skin regimen before applying makeup on her model, starting with the Facial Treatment Essence on clean skin, followed by the Essential Power Essence, Essential Power Cream, and Skin Signature Eye Cream. 

Dr. Oz Garcia explained how glycation, inflammation and oxidation accelerate the aging process on the body. He provided some tips on how to offset the aging process: watch your salt/soy intake, avoid sugary snacks and add antioxidants to your diet - blueberries, nuts, fish oils and kale (blocks production of cancer cells), cut down on coffee and sodas and opt for green tea, which is great for your metabolism. Eggs (yolk included), yogurt and probiotics are great breakfast foods. I also learned that I don't have to worry about eating too much sushi - I can eat it as often as I'd like! Since I'm anemic, Dr. Oz Garcia also recommended taking chewable B-12 vitamins, and eating foods rich in iron such as kale and red meat (the closer it's cooked to rare the better, as it's not really effective overcooked, so medium rare/rare is fine).  

Thank you to the SK-II team, Dotti and Dr. Oz Garcia for a lovely afternoon at the SK-II Pop Up Studios. Look forward to my follow-up visit in a month! 

- Kim Weling

Recap: The Village Voice's "Choice Eats" 7th Annual Tasting Event

The Village Voice's "Choice Eats" 7th annual tasting event took place on March 25th at Basketball City at Pier 36, from 7-10pm, and a VIP-only hour from 6-7pm. The last time I went to "Choice Eats" was back in 2011, and it's only gotten bigger and better, with more participating restaurants and amazing foods to taste. 

The final lineup included 84 participating restaurants including 606 R&D, Alobar, Ample Hills Creamery, Anella, Bear, Banana Leaf, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, Bhatti Indian Grill, Bien Cuit, Black Tree, Bobwhite Lunch and Supper Counter, Brooklyn Kolache Co., Buka, Bunker, Butter & Scotch, Carlo's Bakery, Chandni, Charles' Country Pan Fried Chicken, Clark's Standard, Coppelia, Deccan Spice, Devi, Dirt Candy, Distilled, Doughnut Plant, Edi and the Wolf, Egg, El Almacen, Fay Da Bakery, Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue, Fonda, Grandaisy Bakery, Indian Clove, Jimmy's No. 43, John Brown Smokehouse, Jacob's Pickles, Jones Wood Foundry, Juliette Restaurant, Kaia Wine Bar, Khe Yo, Kuma Inn, La Newyorkina, La Slowteria, Larb Ubol, Liddabit Sweets, Little Prince, Littleneck, Louro, Luke's Lobster, Mables Smokehouse, Mai Sushi, Maima's Liberian Bistro, Martha, Max, Mexico Lindo, Mooncake Foods, Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue, Mrs. Dorsey's Kitchen, No. 7, Oda House, OddFellows Ice Cream Co., Ovelia Psistaria, Ovenly, Peppa's Jerk Chicken, Pete Zaaz, Pickle Shack, Queens Comfort, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Robicelli's, Rosamunde Sausage Grill, Rubirosa, SCRATCHbread, Sheep Station, Spicy Bampa, Swine, Tabata Noodle Restaurant, Telepan Local, The Kati Roll Company, The Meatball Shop, The Pines, Thistle Hill Tavern, Xe May Sandwich Shop, Yunnan Kitchen, Zenon Taverna, and many more.

Sponsors included Stella Artois, Great Brewers, Southern Wine & Spirits, Whole Foods Market, Disney NEWSIES on Broadway, Diamond Vision, Asahi Beer USA, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Blueprint Brands, Asahi Beer, Verizon FIOS, Alphabet City Brewing Company, Blue Point Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, Crabbies Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Lagunitas Brewing Company, MOA Brewing Co., Oskar Blues Brewery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Singha Beer, Sixpoint Brewery, Smuttynose Brewing Company, Black Dirt Distillery, Catoctin Creek, Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, New Holland Brewing, Rogue Spirits, Suerte Tequila, Virginia Distillery Company, Woody Creek Distillers, SingleCut Beer, Four Roses Bourbon, Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Sidney Frank Importing Inc., Tito's Handmade Vodka, Cabot Creamery, Flat Rate Moving, Green Mountain Energy, Hailo Cab, White Pike Whiskey, City Tech, Frames and Hot 97.

Congratulations to the winner of this year's "Choice Eats" Fan Favorite Voting Contest - Fletcher's Brooklyn Barbecue! I didn't get around to trying their dish, but I'm sure it was amazing! 

Here's a look at some of my favorite participating restaurants from the VIP Happy Hour. This was actually my favorite part of the tasting, as it was laid back without any long lines or crowds. 

La Slowteria: El Cotorroguava - Salad with Hibiscus Flower Dressing

La Slowteria: El Negrito - Duck in Black Mole

Morgan's Brooklyn Barbecue

Clarke's Standard - Mini Standard Cheeseburgers

Rosamunde Sausage Grill: Grilled Sausage, Beer Sausage, Cheddar Brat and Vegan Apple Sage

Carlo's Bakery: Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carlo's Bakery 

Grandaisy Bakery: Roman-Style Pizzas

Doughnut Plant

Here's a look at the participating sponsors and restaurants on the main floor. A special thanks to Verizon FIOS for introducing me to an Ultimate HD package I couldn't pass up, and for giving me the most practical gift I can ask for add a food tasting - Verizon FIOS tupperware that was perfect for storing some Carlo's Bakery Red Velvet goodies for later. 

Luke's Lobster: Maine Crab Rolls

Louro: Bacon Cornbread with Braised Chorizo

Coppelia: Arepas - Corn Cake, Shredded Chicken, Guacamole, Rocoto Sauce

Martha: Berkshire Pork Ribs with Ginger Glaze Over Jasmine Rice

Robicelli's

Fay Da Bakery: Bubble Tea

Steve's Ice Cream: Burnt Sugar Vanilla

Steve's Ice Cream: Cranberry Cinnamon Marshmallow

My favorite dish of the night was Ample Hills Salted Crack Caramel Ice Cream with Crack Cookies. I rarely trek over to Brooklyn but now I'm going to have to and pick up a few pints of that ice cream flavor! 

Ample Hills Creamery: Salted Crack Caramel Ice Cream with Crack Cookies and Gather 'Round the Campfire Ice Cream - Toasted Marshmalllow Ice Cream with Chocolate-Covered Graham Cracker

Liddabit Sweets

The Village Voice's "Choice Eats" was an amazing success! Next up is The Village Voice's 3rd annual "Choice Streets" food truck tasting set for May 7th on the Intrepid. For details and to purchase tickets, go to villagevoice.com/choicestreets.

- Kim Weling