Over the past few months, the BC bartending community has not so quietly been competing for the ultimate title of Barate Kid. The annual event is the brainchild of Keenan Hood, David Greig and Gez McAlpine. The idea was hatched four years ago- a competition by bartenders, for bartenders. The three wanted to ensure that there was no skew towards any particular brand and that the night would test the skills an everyday cocktail bartender would use during a shift. Speed, quality and showmanship are the name of the game at Barate which results in a winner that emulates what it is to be the best in their field.
While the competition has been running for four years, this year’s format was a slight departure as the organizers set up 8 heats with a total of 72 bartenders across BC. The top 16 finalists will be competing on Monday night in a winner takes all evening of cocktail debauchery (and with a $5000 pot, the prize ain’t no slouch). The finale will be judged by Sam Ross and Mike McIlroy of New York’s Attaboy as well as Vancouver’s own Shaun Layton. Your 2015 Barate Kid finalists are:
Amber Bruce – The Keefer Bar
Thor Paulson – L’Abattoir
Mickey Valens – The Diamond
Cam Brown – Bacarro (Kelowna)
Robyn Gray – Prohibition
Navin Toor – The Keefer Bar
Alfred Siu – The Diamond
Kyle Guilfoyle – Little Jumbo (Victoria)
Jared Fontaine – The Keefer Bar
Dave Simps – Gateway Casino
Alex Kagel – 21C (Kelowna)
Rob Scope – Cascade Room
Adam Domet – Supermarine
Nathan Caudle – Little Jumbo (Victoria)
Chris Enns – Revel Room
Danielle Tatarin – The Keefer Bar
If you’re in Vancouver this Monday, tickets will be available for $5.00 at the door at Republic. The main event starts at 6pm. All proceeds of cocktails & tickets sold will go to the Aprons for Gloves Community Boxing Organization.
