Who’s the top bartender in Southern California? We’re about to find out! The Ultimate Bartender Championship starts at 12 p.m. on Thursday, October 19 at Park & Rec in University Heights.
It’s being put on by Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch Whisky and Tales of the Cocktail.
Bartenders will battle it out over five rounds to win the title of Ultimate Bartender. Over the five rounds, contestants will be tested on their proficiency in all aspects of what it takes to be a top bartender. The group will be whittled down to three finalists who will compete for the regional title and a trip to Scotland.
Among the bartenders competing:
Adele Carolyn Stratton - Jaynes Gastropub
Andrew Cordero - The Noble Experiment
Andrew Larson - The Hake
Antonio Gonzales - Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen
Antonio Orozco - Florent
Ashley Baldo - The Lot
Chad Austin - Bootlegger Tiki
Colin Coleman - Playa Provisions
David Saenz - VACA
Diana Danaila - Cache
Evgeny Y Anisimov - Park Hyatt Aviara
Jacob Howland - Hilton Sky Bar
Jefferson Joseph Starling - Harvest,
Jimmy Valenzuela - Central Laguna Beach
Joan Villanueva - Cache
Laura Draper - Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub
Rafael Ramirez - The Exhibition Room
Sam Olguin - The Draft
Seth Marquez - Campfire
The day before the competition, the Behind Bars Panel Discussion is being held.
It’s taking place on Wednesday, October 18 at 2 p.m. at Seven Grand in North Park
On the panel will be world famous bartenders with great tips for up and coming bartenders on how to succeed in the business.
For more information about the competition, visit talesofthecocktail.com/events/ultimate-bartender-championship/
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Brian Holt is coffee drinker and burrito enthusiasts. Holt is a former TV news producer, he leisurely spends his days doing origami with dollar bills and trying new restaurants.