1000 x 90

Canyons Hosts Bartenders’ Brawl on April 12 and 13; Be the Judge of the Drinks at the ‘Survivor’ Themed Event

April 13, 2012. BLOWING ROCK — Local bartenders will duke it out during this year’s Bartenders’ Brawl on Thursday and Friday, April 12 and 13. The “Survivor” themed event takes place at Canyons and will feature original drinks with secret ingredients and taste samples will be available for purchase. Thursday’s brawls starts at 8:30 p.m. while Friday’s final event starts at 9:00 p.m.

Different this year is the “Survivor” theme. Local bartender competitors are encouraged to wear appropriate “Survivor” attire, and the bar will be decorated according to the tribal theme.

The first two rounds on Thursday night feature all bartenders, who are split into two tribes at random – the “Libations” and the “Elixirs.” Each tribe is expected to work together to prepare three cocktails. The first two drinks will be original cocktails devised by the bartenders or their establishment. The third will contain a secret ingredient to be announced at the beginning of round two, giving the tribes some time to prepare. Possible secret ingredients could include cranberries, cucumbers, or various syrups. Who knows?

Cocktails will be judged on taste, presentation and originality – with taste weighing more than the other factors. In addition to serving fully garnished and freshly prepared versions to be visually judged by the entire bar and the “Mystery Judge,” the tribes will make a large batch of these drinks available for patrons to purchase for sample. 

The drinks for sample will be served without a garnish, so focus on taste first!  Keep in mind that these sample drinks will be voted on by the patrons to determine the “People’s Choice” award.  The tribe winning the People’s Choice award will win an “Immunity Challenge,” meaning that they will be able to keep an extra bartender for round two.

The Bartenders’ Brawl is hosted annually at Canyons as part of the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival events. 

For more information, see www.canyonsbr.com or call 828-295-7661.