New Zealand's Bar Masters prepare for a thrilling display of flair and creativity
You can almost hear the rattle of shakers already, as New Zealand’s most exciting bartending talent prepare to wow the judges at this year’s Bar Masters. After several fast and furious rounds of voting, with 100 of New Zealand’s top Bartenders in the running, the final 12 have been chosen to battle it out for the 2011 Bar Masters title. Sponsored by MONIN and run as part of the Restaurant and Bar Show, this exciting event will take place on Monday July 18th and Tuesday July 19th, held in Auckland at the ASB Showgrounds.
Thousands of votes were cast and an esteemed panel of judges made the final decisions on the top 12 from all over New Zealand. "I'm really looking forward to the competition,” says head judge Don Kavanagh (Editor of Hospitality/Thirst). “The quality of the people who have been entered is top-notch and it will be interesting to see sort of concoctions they can come up with to wow the judges.
"The competition is a great way to recognise those bartenders who strive to consistently raise the standards of the industry,” says Kavanagh.
Pitting their creativity against each other in a battle to impress and delight the judges and audience, the final 12 are: Margarita Vovna from Suite, Hannah Waters from Mea Culpa, Mikey Reay from FuZen, Calum Chadwick from Matterhorn, Alejandro Patterson from Red, Chris Turner from Corner Store, Craig Mackenzie from Ginger Minx, Juleon Green from Golden Dawn, Adam Mather from Hum Salon, Hans Hoeflich from The Long Room, Phil Mead from Julep and Alex Carter from Cartel.
These 12 outstanding bartenders will be vying to win a fantastic prize from MONIN, a three-day all expenses paid trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the winning bartender, including return flights, accommodation, meals and transfers. While in Kuala Lumpur, the winner will visit the MONIN factory, receive exclusive MONIN training and of course experience the very best MONIN bars in Kuala Lumpur, including the stunning Skybar at the Trade Hotel.
“The MONIN Bar Masters competition will give local bartenders the opportunity to challenge themselves and push the boundaries’” says Tomas Vikario from MONIN, The Bar Masters special guest and event MC. “The MONIN team and I have high expectations for this competition.
“Consumers are trading up. They have tested a better way of living and want more. And, they want the best. This competition is a great opportunity for New Zealand’s greatest bars and restaurants to show what “the best” they have behind the bar is!” says Vikario.
The 2011 Bar Masters competition is set to be a thrilling highlight of the Restaurant and Bar show and should not be missed. For further information head to www.randbshow.co.nz
COMPETITION DAY
Date: Monday 18 July, 2011
Time: 2.30pm - 5pm
Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
FINALS
Date: Tuesday 19 July, 2011
Time: 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Venue: ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
This event is free to come along and watch as long as you work in the hospitality industry and pre-register online at www.randbshow.co.nz
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For more information, contact;
Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739
Paul Blomfield, Public Relations Consultant; paul@paulblomfield.com; Ph: (021) 970 871
About Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand
Brand Events Festivals Ltd is a subsidiary of the UK based Brand Events Ltd, organisers of international festivals such as Top Gear Live and Taste Festivals. More information at www.befestivals.co.nz or contact Robert Eliott on 09 531 5524.