Ryan Lely/Sonoma Valley Sun
The Plaza Bistro contestant on stage during last year’s Battle of the Bartenders competition.
Lately I have been inundated with questions about the Battle of the Bartenders, so I would like to clear the air and explain a few things. The second annual Battle of the Bartenders will be held on Oct. 10 at the Veterans Building on First Street West at 6 p.m. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday night than hoisting a few for charity, seeing a competition with all-local bartenders, then dancing to the Whiskey Thieves, Sonoma’s favorite hometown band.
Last year my girlfriend, Toni Castrone, and I organized the Battle of the Bartenders. Both of us are involved in making this year’s event bigger and better having learned from our missteps last year. This year we will have bigger cups, more food and a bigger silent auction with many crazy items like Tommy Smothers’ yo-yo and a jacket from The Amazing Race entrants Vyxsin and Kynt.
The Battle of the Bartenders is a 100-percent charity event for two Valley entities, American Legion Post #489 and The Native Sons of the Golden West.
This year’s competitors include Stephanie Sorsby from Mary’s Pizza Shack, Brian Gilliland from Maya, Hunt Bailie from Murphy’s Irish Pub, and Ivan Arredondo from Carneros Restaurant. The Blue Moon Saloon, featuring last year’s winner Michael Reinke, will be there as will Kimmy McArdle and James Dick from El Dorado Kitchen (EDK), Bill Calleja from Steiners Tavern, Jamie Powers from the Town Square, Eric Henson from the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, John Lopez from the Plaza Bistro, and David Daniels and Gerrard Stephens from Saddles Restaurant. Mondo will be bringing a new-to-town ringer from San Diego named Lily Cattaneo and La Casa Restaurant will be represented by old-school stalwart Tracy Stockton. Also participating will be Team Renegade, led by South American Secrets maven Fred Johnson.
Many corporate sponsors such as Lagunitas Brewery will be attending, as will Charbay Vodka. Both will have booths sharing their wares.
Last year we ended up having over 500 people attend and raised more than $13,000 through ticket sales and a silent auction during the event. Tickets are limited to 500, so pick up yours early. This year tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 VIP. VIP-level attendees receive unlimited sampling of participant-donated beverages, access to a VIP room with their own bar, and some lucky VIPs will become judges during the event. Tickets are available at all four compass points on the Plaza: South American Secrets, Steiners Tavern, Mary’s Pizza Shack and the Town Square. Tickets will also be available at the Blue Moon Saloon. If we do not sell out before the event, tickets will be available at the door.
The format is an Iron Bartending competition, which means that teams of bartenders get on stage and have to make cocktails for judges utilizing a secret ingredient that is revealed to them only when they arrive on stage. Last year’s final ingredient was tamarind puree.
Michael Reinke from the Blue Moon Saloon won it all with a tamarind margarita touched with Watermelon Pucker and a float of champagne. Runner-up Michael Briones said it was one of the best drinks he had ever tasted. We’re saddened that Mr. Briones cannot return to the competition this year to defend his runner-up status. He’s one of Sonoma’s great bartenders and personalities.
Be sure to check out the Web site www.sonomabarbattle.com for more information and a full list of sponsors. I would like to thank everyone who has generously donated items for the silent auction or spirits for the event. If you would like to help or have something to donate, contact me or the amazing Kim Bernadini through the Web site.
