Last year's winner, Ben Clemons
Of all the culinary competitions in town, once of the most prestigious is the annual
Bombay Sapphire Most Imaginative Bartendercontest. The winner gets a trip to Vegas to compete in the finals and also a profile in GQ magazine.
Last year's winner was Ben Clemonsof East Nashville's No. 308, who beat out Alan Kennedy and Cricket Gumper in the finals for our region.
The event is also sponsored by the U.S. Bartenders Guild, which sends a representative to judge the technique and precision of the competitors' recipes and pours. Other judges consider the creativity and taste of the cocktails made with Bombay Sapphire products. This year's roster of competitors represents some of the most talented mixologists from the hottest cocktail emporiums in town, including Clemons, who is back to defend his crown. Here's the list:
Grant Fisher - Party Fowl (opening soon in the Gulch)
Justin Stamper - TerraMae in Chattanooga
Caleb Kimbley - Rumours Wine Bar
Ben Clemons - No. 308
Daniel Ness - The Crying Wolf
Jeremiah Blake - MStreet
Robert Mayo - National Underground
Tom Ounsamone - Flyte World Dining & Wine
Kevin King - Husk
Fabiano Santos - Bob's Steakhouse/Omni Hotel
Daniel Cheney - Sinema
Alan Kennedy - The Sutler
The event is ostensibly private, but it is possible to get an invitation by registering at the local website. As of the end of last week, there were still some spots available on the guest list, so it couldn't hurt to click on over to see if there's room for you at the big shindig tonight at The Rosewall, starting at 7:30.
