GLOWING REVIEW—Above, Avalon Danz, Ladyface Alehouse and Brasserie‘s“Goddess of Wheat,” samples a margarita made with Tequila Alquimia and offers her review to company president and CEO Adolfo Murillo at the 11th annual Margarita Mix-off on May 24. Presented by Soroptimist International of the Conejo to benefit local charities, the mix-off has Conejo Valley restaurants compete to determine which has the best margaritas and hors d’oeuvres. Below right, Chad LeBlanc, executive chef at Brendan’s Irish Pub, flips sliders on the grill. Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers Sixteen restaurants vied to be named the best in eight categories during last Thursday’s Margarita Mix-Off at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks.

Event chair Marcy Shewmon and Soroptimist President Nancy Nevitt said the event was the largest in 11 years of competition, attracting 400 attendees.

Winning the Best in the West category, a competition known over the years as “The People’s Choice,” was Chili’s restaurant of Newbury Park and Simi Valley.

SUPERB SELECTION—Moorpark resident Sharon Hobbie talks with Adolfo Murillo, left, and James Carling, president of Ventura Limoncello Company, about the margaritas offered at their booth. Other winners, as selected by a panel of judges, were: Alamo Bar & Grill in Newbury Park, best blended margarita; Holdren’s Steakhouse and Seafood in Newbury Park, best on the rocks; T.O.I. Tapas Bar and Lounge in Thousand Oaks, best presentation; Alamo, best entertainment; Ladyface Alehouse and Brasserie in Agoura Hills, best decorated booth; and Brendan’s Irish Pub in Agoura Hills, best hors d’oeuvres,