Made With Love

This week's fun kickstarted on a Monday. I tagged along Rick to attend one of the largest mixology competition in Canada, MadeWithLove™ Vancouver Regional Final. It was hosted at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver this year with 1 4 local bartenders competing to win their spot in the National Final.  Each cocktails was to be evaluated based on its originality, creativity, and savour. The winner in each category, Public's Choice & Judges' Choice, will represent Vancouver at the National Finals held in May 2017.

I'm glad I had a small bite before I arrived because there were a lot of cocktails to try!

Bar chefs competing were from notable restaurants like L'Abattoir, Chambar, and Torafuku to name a few. By visiting each station, the bartenders revealed the inspiration behind their creation as we watched our beverages carefully prepared in front of us. To have to choose a single favourite cocktail amongst all the entries was so close to impossible.

Félix Vallières from 86'd events in Whistler created a stiffer cocktail featuring Wild Turkey, but it was followed by an extremely delicious canapé within their set up that complimented their drink very well. Their station was the only station of the night that provided a substantial food pairing. 

I enjoyed learning about the cocktail by Riley Arnold of Fanny Bay Oysters. She had health conscious Vancouverites in mind and made sure her creation was well balanced without adding any artificial sweeteners. If I remember correctly, her drink featured carrot juice which worked very well.

Reece Sims of Whiskey Muse featured Skyy Vodka in her Aurora Skyy. It was beautifully presented and interactive. By pouring lime juice into our cocktails and giving it a little whirl, I watched my drink turn from blue to pink.

Congratulations to Chelsea Rose Schulte from Torafuku for winning the Public's Choice and to Jasmine Radu from UVA for winning the Judge's Choice!

If you enjoy cocktails as much as I do, you NEED to be here. Catch the Early Bird tickets next year for only $45 and that'll cover all the drinks you desire & nibbles. 

xo