Stark Bites: Chocolate walk set, Gervasi Spirits wins double gold

Gervasi Spirits, part of the Gervasi Vineyard family, won a double gold medal for its newly introduced Pink Peppercorn Gin at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Crafted by Gervasi’s head distiller Shae Pridemore, Pink Peppercorn Gin was inspired by a cocktail Pridemore enjoyed. The drink was heavily infused with peppercorn. While creating the the Gervasi Spirits award winner, Pridemore added a hint of lavender to incorporate a light summery feel with a slight hint of heat, an infusion of anise for a hint of sweetness and cardamom to give the spirit a cooling sensation to the tongue on the finish.

Gervasi Spirits began in 2019, and has received silver medals for its Maple Cask Bourbon, Wine Barrel Bourbon and Blu Liqueur.

2024 Chocolate Walk set in Louisville, Nimishillen Twp.

Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Nimishillen Township, will play host to the 2024 Chocolate Walk from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 18. After purchasing your Chocolate Walk Pass for $10, participants are invited to stop at participating businesses for a taste of a special chocolate treat while enjoying community shopping and sightseeing. Participating businesses include The Dragonfly Gift Shop, Panda Sweets, UnHitched Brewing Co. and Louisville Public Library. Purchase tickets in advance.

Stark Cattlemen's Association honors Tozzi’s Restaurant of Magnolia

Tozzi’s Restaurant of Magnolia has received this year’s Stark County Cattlemen’s Association Restaurant of the Year award.

Rachel Estock, one of six members of the Stark County Cattlemen’s Association's Board of Directors, described the selection process.

“Throughout the year, the board visits six to eight different Stark County restaurants for our meetings. We all order beef products, including steaks and burgers, then each board member completes an anonymous survey.” She continued, “The criteria used for the award include atmosphere, service and taste. Scores are tallied, compiled and reviewed at year end.”

Chipotle Mexican Grill to thank healthcare community with free burritos

Chipotle Mexican Grill, with locations throughout Stark County, announced it will recognize the healthcare community by awarding 100,000 healthcare workers with free burrito e-cards. Over the past several years, the brand has given away more than $5 million in free Chipotle to healthcare professionals. Chipotle has launched a microsite where healthcare professionals can enter to win a free burrito e-card from through Friday. At the end of National Nurses Week, 100,000 healthcare professionals who entered will be randomly selected to receive an email to verify their healthcare employment status via ID.me, the market-leading secure digital identity network. Healthcare professionals who successfully verify their healthcare employment status will receive a free burrito e-card. Winners will be notified starting the week of May 13.

Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Festival set June 1 in North Canton

North Canton Chamber of Commerce invited members of the community to the largest beer and bourbon festival in Stark County. The Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Festival will be 6 to 9 p.m. June 1 at MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway in Green. VIP entrance begins at 5 p.m., with general admission beginning at 6 p.m.

Guests can sample craft beer from 20 regional breweries, and, new this year is a bourbon tasting experience. The bourbon room will feature 10 distillers offering samples of some of their most popular products.

Previously known as the North Canton Craft Beer Festival, the event has been rebranded. The 720 BAR B Q MKT will again be part of the festival. A variety of local BBQ vendors will be on site along with a handful of local retailers, makers and growers. Ticket packages may be purchased in advance.

Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Gervasi Spirits' gin wins gold, as Tozzi's of Magnolia named tops in Stark