If you like your entertainment shaken, not stirred, then the fifth annual ARTini competition is just for you. At 7 p.m. March 15 at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel Riverdome, local restaurant owners will enter a competition for the best local martini – all while raising money for a good cause.

Jessica Lowe Hall, member of the board of directors for the Bossier Arts Council and media chairman for ARTini, is especially looking forward to the big event. “The fierce competition is the best part of the night,” Hall said. “A lot of planning and preparing goes into the creation of the perfect martini.”

During the competition, each contestant prepares a martini they feel best represents their restaurant. All contestants are required to use the same brand of vodka but are then allowed to use any other ingredient of their choice. Event attendees are given the opportunity to sample each creation and nominate their favorites for a 2014 ARTini Award. Awards are given in the categories of Best Martini and People’s Choice.

This year’s participating restaurants include Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos, Ralph & Kacoo’s, Twine, Bella Fresca, Cheesecake Bistro, Abby Singer’s Bistro, Great Raft Brewing Company, Texas Street Steakhouse, The Boot, Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, and Fatty Arbuckles. Raising Cane’s, Sonic and Pho Bowl will be on site as well offering non-alcoholic drink options.

Don O’Byrne, president/founder of Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos, located at 2333 Airline Dr. in Bossier City, knows how to shake things up. A threetime champion, O’Byrne will return to compete for the awards.

For O’Byrne, winning the People’s Choice award was the most significant.

“Knowing our martini was a favored vote by nearly 1000 people, within a three-hour window, was reassurance that not only did we succeed in creating a great martini, but we also helped in driving attendance for ARTini,” O’Byrne said. “Competition is our catalyst for success. Without it, I’d grow old!”

O’Byrne was inspired to go into the restaurant business after living in big cities such as L.A., Dallas and Atlanta. “Our success story at Don Juanz Baja Beach Tacos begins with some of the best, most appreciative guests that I have ever served,” O’Byrne said. “We have an all-star staff that strives for perfection, a penchant for preparing unique, fresh and creative food with an ambiance reminiscent of the restaurants that line the Pacific in Baja.”

O’Byrne uses that same fresh, unique approach to win awards with his martinis. His first concoction that won in 2010 was El Coranzan, which means “from the heart.” This special martini was comprised of blood orange, lime juice and vodka. His most recent win in 2013 was especially outside the box – a basil pear and black pepper martini. O’Byrne can’t wait to beat his own standard this year.

Attendees will also be able to feast on a dinner provided by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel. The Super Water Sympathy will play live.

ARTini isn’t just about taste buds, however.

“ARTini is a great chance to meet friends, sample unique martinis prepared by local restaurants, hear great music and nosh on appetizers,” Hall said. “Your purchase of a ticket to ARTini isn’t only a passport for fun, it’s a contribution to the local arts community.”

The beloved competition also provides significant funding for the East Bank Theatre, the East Bank Gallery and the Arts-In-Education programming in Bossier schools.

“ARTini serves as a platform for us to stand behind our mission – our commitment to improving the quality of life in our community is just as important as the quality and freshness of our food,” O’Byrne said.

Hall sums up ARTini best. “Shake a little imagination, stir in a lot of creativity and mix in some friendly competition! ARTini is where live music, art and signature martinis are served with a twist,” Hall said.

Want to go?

The Bossier Arts Council will provide a shuttle to bring those enjoying their martinis to and from the event safely. Tickets are on sale now for $55 and can be purchased online at www.bossierarts.org or by calling 741- 8312. Tickets will be sold at the door for $65 each. Find more information on ARTini at www.facebook.com/ ArtiniBAC and www.bossierarts.org.