Bailey’s American Grille, located at 319 W. Walnut, is challenging Springfield Bartenders to put your pouring skills to the test for cash and prizes! You are invited to participate in Bailey’s first annual Iron Bartender challenge to name the hands-down best bartender in Springfield, MO! Do you have flare? Do you have speed? Have you put together the best, one-of-a-kind cocktail ever? Then you need to sign up today! Contestants must be at least 21 years of age, submit a short biography of your personal and bartending history, and submit a $50.00 entry fee with registration form by May 1, 2008. $25.00 of the entry fee will be refunded upon your arrival on the day of the event. The entry fee gets you admission to the event, a commemorative Iron Bartender t-shirt, food during the event, and a $10.00 Bailey’s Gift Certificate. The event will be broken down into 3 rounds.
Round One will consists of three separate parts:
Part One: A blind-tasting of five beers and five wines. All contestants will be given a list of the ten selections and then asked to match them accordingly. Each wine and beer will only be used once. One point will be awarded for each correct answer.
Part Two: A short exam of twenty questions relating to alcohol and bartending. One point will be awarded for each correct answer.
Part Three: A speed round. Each contestant will be asked to make a combination of three drinks selected by the judges. All contestants will be given the same drinks. A list of ten possible choices is included in this packet. Learn all recipes, garnishes, and glassware.
Time deductions will be given for incorrect recipes, garnishes, and glassware. One minute and thirty seconds or less will receive ten points. One point will be deducted for every fifteen seconds over. Omitting an ingredient, incorrect garnishing, and incorrect glassware will each add 15 seconds to your time.
Round Two : the “Entertainment Round”. Contestants will be required to spend at least three minutes and no more than five minutes entertaining the judges. Bottle flair, jokes, bar tricks, etc… can be used in this allotted time. Music will be allowed, but not required during your routine. The judges can each award up to ten points to each contestant. They will be asked to consider criteria such as originality, difficulty, style, entertainment value, etc… It is up to the contestant to impress the judges at this point. After all ten contestants have performed; the judges will narrow the field down to three.
Round Three. The final round will be “Iron Chef” style. The contestants will be given a “secret ingredient” and then allowed thirty minutes to create a combination of one shot, one mixed drink served on the rocks, and a martini served straight up. This ingredient could be anything. The only requirement is that it has to be edible! The “secret ingredient must be prominent, but not overpowering in each concoction. Each contestant will be told the ingredient at the same time and will be given a bar-back to help them in searching for anything they may require for their drinks. They may use any other ingredients they desire, but must have all three drinks prepared in the allotted time period. Severe deductions will be given for unfinished entries.
For more information email Bailey's American Grille. To download registraton materiels, please click here.