Thrills, spills and it's a wrap!

With a final rattle of the shakers and finishing flourishes, the Bar Masters winner has been decided.

Impressing the judges with their creativity and flair in an exciting live final, it was ultimately Hannah Waters from Mea Culpa who had the edge and took out the title with a clever cocktail titled ‘Je Ne C’est Quoi’ – French for ‘I Don’t Know What’.

“Hannah’s cocktail showed originality, imagination and a splash of brilliance” says Tomas Vikario, Bar Masters MC and special guest from MONIN. “I was very impressed with the amazing cocktails made by the final four competitors, it is always fascinating to see the inventive way they use MONIN ingredients”.

Claiming the Bar Masters 2011 title, Hannah takes away a fantastic prize from sponsor MONIN, a trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The trip will give her the opportunity to see the top bars in the area and the fascinating MONIN factory.

“Judging the final four was one of the toughest jobs I've ever had” says Head Judge and editor of Hospitality/Thirst magazine Don Kavanagh. “The competition really went down to the wire and separating the top two was an agonising decision for all three judges. Some of the drinks presented - under pressure - were simply exquisite and the creativity and imagination was amazing”.

“The standard of bartending skills on offer was excellent and the New Zealand hospitality industry should be proud of all the contestants. They all have great futures and the future of bartending in this country is in great hands”.

The Restaurant and Bar Show also wrapped up yesterday with crowds of hospitality insiders gleaning plenty of interesting information about the upcoming busy season from the event over a busy three days.

Highlights included the Telecom Masterclasses by South African veteran restaurateur Pete Goffe-Wood, during which he imparted the insights gained from his experiences at the FIFA World Cup. The ‘Match Ready Seminars’ were also well received with local and international industry leaders speaking including: Justin North, Dheeraj Bhatia, Luke Dallow, Keith Stewart, John Clarke and Leon Grice, the Director of the NZ2011 Office.

Celebrating the best of what the hospitality industry has to offer, The Restaurant and Bar Show and Bar Masters is officially over for 2011, but has been an inspiring and educational experience for the industry.

Giving them plenty to think about and do for the hectic season soon to be upon us.

(Ends)

For more information, contact;
Rob Eliott, General Manager, Brand Events & Festivals New Zealand; RobEliott@befestivals.co.nz; Ph: (021) 677 739

Marisa Bidois, CEO, the Restaurant Association of NZ; marisa@restaurantnz.co.nz; Ph: (09) 632 1400

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.

About The Restaurant Association of New Zealand
Restaurant Association of New Zealand covers the length and breadth of the country representing every facet of the restaurant and hospitality industry. More information on the Association and the New Zealand New Zealand Culinary Fare can be found at www.restaurantnz.co.nz or contact Marisa Bidois (09) 632 1400.