Monday Menu: Bartenders, Birthdays and Benefits Edition

The Nashville mixology community is generally a collaborative and supportive group, but that doesn’t mean local bartenders are afraid to mix it up with a little competition every now and again. That’s the impetus behind the return of Bartender Battles at Harriet’s Rooftop on the top floor of the 1 Hotel Nashville at 710 Demonbreun.

Sponsored by FeverTree and Campari, Bartender Battles will feature some of the city’s best bartenders facing off in weekly battles using sponsor products to create innovative cocktails for a panel of industry experts. They'll be judged based on flavor, presentation and sustainability, a hallmark of just about any activity at 1 Hotel.

After four preliminary rounds and a semifinal battle, the winner will be decided in the final round on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to visit the top cocktail bars, Campari Academy and FeverTree USA Headquarters. 

Competitors include local favorites such as Tiger Bar, Pearl Diver, Chopper, GoodTimes, Barrel Proof, Golden Sound, Cherries, Ava, 1 Kitchen and Harriet’s Rooftop. Here’s the complete competition schedule in case you want top drop in and be part of the action:

• Round 1: Tuesday, Oct. 15; 5-8 p.m.
• Round 2: Wednesday, Oct. 23; 5-8 p.m.
• Round 3: Tuesday, Oct. 29; 5-8 p.m.
• Round 4: Monday, Nov. 4; 5-8 p.m. [Note: this is a date change to avoid conflicting with Election Day.]
• Semifinals: Tuesday, Nov. 12; 5-8 p.m.
• Finals: Tuesday, Nov. 19; 5-8 p.m.

It doesn’t feel like it’s been a year since Joe Muer Seafood dropped anchor in the North Gulch at 500 11th Ave. N. However, it has indeed been 12 months, and the Detroit-based seafood restaurant wants to give its fans the birthday presents with five days of celebratory specials Oct. 9-13.

“What a year it’s been!” says Rosalie Vicari, chief operating officer and co-owner of Joe Muer Seafood. “Nashville marked our first expansion outside of Michigan, and we are deeply grateful for everyone who has joined us on this journey. We are excited to welcome guests new and old during our anniversary week as a toast to this community and what the future holds for Joe Muer Seafood Nashville.” 

Here’s the full schedule of special events:

• Wednesday, Oct. 9 — East Coast vs. West Coast Oyster Wednesday: A day dedicated to celebrating the best of both coasts, "East Coast vs. West Coast Wednesday" will feature $2 oysters and half-off glasses and bottles of wine. This special offer will be available during lunch and dinner hours. 

• Thursday, Oct. 10 — Martinis and Motown: Get ready to groove with “Martinis and Motown” from 4 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy half-off a selection of martinis alongside vibrant Motown music. 

• Friday, Oct. 11 — Five Course Friday Night: This ticketed event will feature a chef-curated five-course dinner with wine pairings introduced by certified sommelier Lisa Ribaudo. The evening will begin with a Champagne reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a seated private dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $175+ per guest and must be purchased in advance here. 

• Saturday, Oct. 12 — Saturday Sips: Relax and unwind at the “Saturday Sips” patio party. This casual, drop-in style event will feature appetizers and fine wine tastings from 4 to 6 p.m. on the restaurant’s outdoor patio. Attendance is complimentary with an advance RSVP here.  

• Sunday, Oct. 13 — Brunch Launch: Celebrate the grand launch of Joe Muer Seafood’s brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring live music and standout menu items like the Alaskan Benedict, Terry fried chicken and waffles, crab cake and eggs, steak house Caesar salad and Arnold Bennett omelet.

Finally, Mere Bulles is holding a special evening of tequila tasting to benefit the great works of Giving Kitchen and the organization’s mission to help food service workers in crisis. Titled Raising Spirits, the tasting event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17, at Mere Bulles in Brentwood at 5201 Maryland Way.

General-admission tickets are $125 and include entry from 6 until 9 p.m., plus two drink tokens toward select cocktails, wine, beer and a Tasting Passport. VIP-level tickets are $200 and offer entry an hour earlier, plus unlimited select cocktails, wine and beer and Tasting Passport. The evening will also include live entertainment, samples of several tequilas and small bites.

Most importantly, 100 percent of ticket sales and donations go to Giving Kitchen in support of their mission, much of which is directed at our community. Since expanding operations into Tennessee in 2021, Giving Kitchen has helped 310 food service workers and awarded an estimated $665,000 in financial assistance to food service workers locally. Giving Kitchen’s work supported 345 clients to Stability Network referrals to local free and low-cost community resources. Giving Kitchen’s assistance is estimated to be 45 years of rent and helping 250 children in the households of food service workers.