Restaurants

Antonella's Italian Ristorante wins La Fayette Cognac competition

By Staff Report, posted 1 year ago
Antonella (center) pictured with members of her staff Lead Bartender Francesca “Fran” Forbes (left) and familiar favorite St. Clair Cooper (right). Photo provided by: The FCEDC. 

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is offering a hearty congratulations to Antonella's Italian Ristorante for being the winners of the La Fayette Cognac “People’s Choice” contest. 

The contest, which began in December of 2023,  was created in celebration of La Fayette Cognac and its availability in all Cumberland County-area liquor stores. The La Fayette Cognac was named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette and celebrates the partnership with Fayetteville’s sister city in St. Avold, France and the upcoming 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to his namesake city.

The contest gave seven local restaurants the chance to showcase their talent and the creativity of the amazing bartenders in our area and also shared the versatility of the Cognac itself, which is best known for being served neat.

Each restaurant created their own cocktails that included the Cognac and the community was able to vote for their favorite online. 

Antonella's winning cocktail: The Chocolate Berry Infusion. Photo provided by: Antonella's Italian Ristorante

With over 200 votes, Antonella's beat the six other participating bars and establishments with their Chocolate Berry Infusion.

The FCEDC offered a special thanks to other competitors: Blue Moon Cafe, Circa 1800, Dirty Whiskey, Gaston Brewing Company, Haymount Truck Stop and Winterbloom Tea for entering the contest and showing off the versatility of this delightful spirit.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
fayetteville-state-university monica-garcia-perez-phd headshott

Incorporating academic readings in economics classrooms: A collaborative research initiative

Mónica García-Pérez, Ph.D. - Distinguished Professor of Economics, Fayetteville State University
cape-fear-valley-health tasia-mcclain headshott

Cape Fear Valley Health announces new midwifery clinic to open in January 2026

Tasia McClain - Service Line Director-Women’s Health, Cape Fear Valley Health
north-carolina-military-business-center tj-gilroy headshott

North Carolina Holds a Home-Field Advantage in the Innovation Game

TJ Gilroy - Business Development Professional, North Carolina Military Business Center

In The Current Issue

Where river meets home: Cape Overlook brings affordable riverfront living to Lillington

Smith Douglas Homes has launched its notable development called Cape Overlook, a 63.95-acre subdivision situated on the Cape Fear River near Wildlife Road.


From service to success: Walsingham Group Inc. partners with nonprofit groups to help Veterans join them as part of the civilian workforce

Walsingham Group Inc., an organization federally recognized for its efforts and emphasis on hiring Veterans is partnering with local and national organizations to recruit, hire and retain Veteran talent. Photo generated using Canva AI.Walsingham Grou


Bah, Humbug! Annual Christmas event A Dickens Holiday returns to downtown Fayetteville in 2025

Costumed actors will roam the streets, carriage rides will guide visitors throughout and the traditional candlelight processional and illumination ceremony will be included at this year’s A Dickens Holiday. Photo provided by A Dickens Holiday, taken