Bittered Sling Bistro: Round 3 – January 2012

Flor de Cana Rum, sponsored by The Kirkwood Group

January 10 – Graham Racich, The Refinery

January 24 – Danielle Tatarin, The Keefer Bar

The concept of cocktail and food pairings has become extremely popular, and since 2010, Lauren Mote’s original “Cocktail Kitchen” competition at The Refinery produced energetic statistics: 168 original cocktails produced, 56 bartenders invited, 224 bottles of spirits poured, 14 different sponsors. This city’s brightest bartenders – a collaboration of seasoned veterans and young apprentices – took their place behind the wood and produced magic for 1680 total guests in 14 months.

We are proud to introduce you to “Bittered Sling Bistro” – a bi-monthly food and cocktail pairing competition, using a special featured spirit(s), dedicated to pushing the boundaries of cocktail craft presented at the beautiful Legacy Liquor Store in Olympic Village, Vancouver. Hosted by Kale & Nori’s Lauren Mote and Chef Jonathan Chovancek.

The evening starts with a cocktail reception accompanied by paired hors d’oeuvres, in the gorgeous foyer of Legacy Liquor Store. The vaulted ceilings, spirit displays and living wall create a dynamic setting for this delicious affair. Guests are guided though an interactive tasting, led by the guest bartender, right at the harvest table. The rest of the evening is rather indulgent; Kale & Nori’s Chef Jonathan Chovancek creates a seasonal three course menu, inspired by the feature spirit’s wide range of notes and character. Each course is accompanied by a expertly paired cocktail by the guest bartender. Following the dinner, our guests will be invited to rate the bartender’s presentation and pairing skills. The two top scoring bartenders at the end of the program will compete for a grand prize.This six month program offers 6 veteran and 6 apprentice bartenders their chance to promote their style and character in an superbly interactive way.

This is all about spirit – in both the bartender and the bottle.

About Bittered Sling Bistro:

Location – Legacy Liquor Store

Time – 7:00pm – 9:30pm

Date – Tuesdays, bi-monthly

Tickets – available online through Legacy Liquor Store for $60/person (this includes HST and Gratuity); tickets available here: http://www.legacyliquorstore.com/Events/Current-Events Listed under “Bittered Sling Bistro”

Menu – Hors d’oeuvres, appetizer, principal, dessert, 4 cocktails + seminar tasting (vegan option available for guests with dietary restrictions; no other modifications will be permitted).

Hors d’Oeuvres*

“Jerked” Polderside chicken with lemon bitters, pistachio and mint sauce
Hard spice chickpea fritter stuffed with dates and Meyer lemon & 12 year old Flor de Cana Rum marmalade

Menu*

Spot prawn tamale, smoky yam and pomegranate salad, Salt Spring Island mussel vinaigrette, lime leaf-tamarind cream
Pemberton Meadows beef oxtail curry, scotch bonnet pepper-eggplant relish, blue potatoes and mint, root pickles, spiced taro crisps
Flor de Cana Rum caramel rice pudding, goats milk horchata, salted persimmon salsa

*Vegan option available, but must be booked at the time of ticket purchase

Prizes – each host bartender receives a prize to participate; each host bartender is eligible to win one of two spots in the finals (one night), May 2012. Grand prize for winning host bartender will be announced in early 2012.