Prairie Food Bytes
Saskatchewan's Only Electronic Food & Wine News Source

Editor: CJ Katz

Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Issue 14

Passion and Pizzaz Highlight Bartender Competition
REGINA - The Show Lounge at the Casino Regina was bopping Sunday night as some of Regina's best bartenders strutted their stuff. Six talented young men competed to prove who could shake, rattle and mix up the most elaborate and showy cocktails and shooters in Regina. Contestants were marked on attitude and flair, originality in preparing the drinks, presentation and taste. Four judges - Jim Selinger of the South Albert Liquor Store, Cindy Suski of Maxxium Canada, Nathan Eberle of Z99 and myself - drank their way through 18 tropical drinks and potent concoctions.

Each bartender first prepared a cocktail of their choosing. Next came a two-part black box segment where each contestant was required to put together a shooter and cocktail with mystery ingredients. Each contestant had a minute and a half to prepare each drink and all had to include Passoa - a passion fruit liqueur as an ingredient.

A lot of talent was shown by all contestants, with many flipping and juggling bottles, tossing glasses and blending colorful liqueur and mixers to create eye-appealing drinks that conjured up images of beaches and tropical island paradises. Occasionally some of the mixing got, well... a little mixed up, and some drinks appeared before the judges looking like swamp water - which only added an element of fun and humor to the event! Knowing how to mix paint palate colours was a clear advantage at this event.

It was a close contest. Each contestant had loads of talent (some with loads of sex appeal too!) and gave one a sense that next year's competition will be a very heated one.

The evening was sponsored by Maxxium Canada (distributor of fine wines and spirits), Casino Regina and Z99. Entry fee proceeds benefited The Regina Firefighters Burn Unit Fund

The winners were:

First: Ryan Gilchrist of Habano's Cocktail Club. Earning $400
Second: Dave Scully of Casino Regina. Earning $200
Third: Bruce Pooler of Earl's Restaurant. Earning $100

Runners up were Leigh Vien of JD's; Darren Frei of Gabbo's; David Froh of Danbry's

Darren Frei of Gabbo's

The hottest bartenders in Regina. Left to right: David Scully (Casino Regina), Leigh Vein (JD's), Darrren Frei (Gabbo's),
Ryan Gilchrist (Habano's), Bruce Pooler (Earl's), David Froh (Danbry's)

The Discriminating Judges. Left to right: Jim Selinger, myself, Cory Leurer (Organizer, Maxxium Canada), Cindy Suski,
Nathan Eberle

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