by Sabrina Hornung | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | Cocktail Showdown | April 10th, 2019
Well shiver me timbers. After weeks of sampling some of the finest drinks in F-M from more bars than we could shake a belaying pin at, the results of High Plains Reader’s 6th Annual Cocktail Showdown are in!
For nine weeks, three judges were presented with a shot or after-dinner drink (depending on the establishment) and a drink at each stop of the showdown. Bartenders at participating establishments were judged on presentation, flavor, and creativity, in two different bar categories: Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant Bar.
Now that the Showdown has come to a close, we’re setting up the ultimate battle in a chopped-style competition. This Sunday, with a pirate theme, we’re hoping to set a record with the most buccaneers to congregate at the Holiday Inn. We’ll start out with a pre-party in the pool area at 4pm, and then we (politely) storm the ballroom.
Now for a list of our fierce competitors. Heave ho, me hearties!
Molly Fontaine
Spirits Lounge at the Holiday Inn
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Molly: I like to keep it simple. I'll usually order a vodka soda with some citrus.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Molly: This is a tough one. I use my cocktail spoon a lot so I guess I'll go with that.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Molly: When I'm with a guest or in the middle of completing a round and someone comes up and just starts yelling their order at me. That and verbal tippers. Compliments don't pay bills, hunnies!
Justin Ryttie
Rhombus Guys
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Justin: Recently my drink of choice has been a good gin and soda with lime. Otherwise, I love sour ales so I'll treat myself to those when there's a really good one. I miss Tallgrass's Key Lime Pie Sour.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Justin: If I was stranded on a desert island I could be very content if I had access to lime, mint, and sugar. Heat and mojitos just go well together.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Justin: Recently, my number one bartending pet peeve has been the question "how much is -insert drink or liquor-". At Rhombus we have easily over 50 liquors that change as our drinks evolve, 24 beers on tap, and a cocktail menu that changes twice a year. I will never memorize all those changing prices and looking those up during a busy time is extremely frustrating.
James Hein
Toasted Frog
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
James: My choice of drink will vary. If I know the bartender I get what they recommend or have been playing with. If it is a place I don't know, it will be a Negroni or Makers Mark on the rocks depending on the type of establishment.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
James: I would assume a desert island lacks ice, thus rendering most equipment useless. My favorite equipment is a well-balanced spoon and mixing tumbler. Good Gin, Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, and Campari are essential ingredients.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
James: My pet peeve is candy-flavored or named drinks. Seriously, grow up.
Josh Goedke
Twist
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Josh: Vodka soda and shots.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Josh: First off, alcohol because that would be the most important, obviously. Then lime juice, lemon juice, agave nectar, a shaker and an endless supply of ice.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Josh: I'm too happy all the time to have pet peeves.
Tori Luck
Mezzaluna
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Tori: Vesper with Dripping Springs in the summer. Blanton’s old fashioned in the winter.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Tori: If I'm on an island...I'd need Cachaça, limes and turbinado sugar so I can make Caipirinhas. As far as tools go...None, I'm STRANDED... I'll muddle it up with a stick and bottoms up! Fine, fine, I'll play along and say a shaker and a bar spoon.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Tori: Negativity.
Aaron Duma
Sanctuary Events Center
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Aaron: New York sour
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Aaron: I would really miss ice. Ice is a cocktail’s best friend, but I would bring my wine key for sure.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Aaron: "It's a garnish tray, not a buffet!" - Amy Bertzyk
Jared Winmill
HoDo
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Jared: It’s situational for me, but if I want to treat myself I go to Duffys for Brandon’s Jameson Caskmates White Russian.
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Jared: A good chef knife and coconuts. Stay hydrated with the coconut water and a vessel to drink out of. I hope the island comes stocked with booze.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Jared: Probably when I greet a guest with a ‘How’s it goin’ or whatever and they just tell me what they want. ‘I’m f#%*!@ great, thanks for asking!
Elijah Larson
Wurst West
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Elijah: If I’m in an establishment that has a cocktail program, a Daiquiri. In a neighborhood dive, Miller High Life and a shot. In a corporate joint I almost always go for the sh*tty premix Piña Colada or Margarita. Damnit. Now I want a Sh*tty Piña Colada!
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Elijah: ICE!!!
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Elijah: Complacent/Lazy Managers. You’re being paid to be a leader, so f*cking lead!
Aaron Benson
Rustica
HPR: What is your drink of choice when you're on the other side of the bar?
Aaron: When I find myself belly up, I scan the cocktail list for something new that I have yet to try (always drinking for science).
HPR: If you were stranded on a desert island and had to man a DIY tiki bar, what bartending ingredients or tools would you not be able to live without?
Aaron: If I was allowed one bar tool whilst stranded on an island, I would have to bring my torch, because fire.
HPR: What is your #1 pet peeve as a bartender?
Aaron: If I tell you my pet peeve, the universe might just overhear. Not taking any chances, not this time.
IF YOU GO
HPR Bartenders Battle
Sunday, April 14, 4-10 p.m.
Holiday Inn Fargo, 3803 13th Ave S
May 1st 2019
March 27th 2019
March 20th 2019
March 13th 2019
March 6th 2019
__293px-wide.jpg)
MOORHEAD - As a young boy growing up in Kurdish-controlled Iraq, Jahwar Salih played soccer and tennis, dreamed of a college education. Those dreams were smashed after he turned 16; he picked up an AK-47 and joined the Peshmerga to…
By the time Butch Patrick was cast with the iconic role of Eddie Munster the wolfboy son on the classic television program “The Munsters,” he was a seasoned child actor. Starring in television roles on such programs as…
The Aquarium, 3rd Ave & BroadwayWednesday, October 23, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.The talented songwriter, local favorite and DJ hosting the Cult of Lick EP launch party. Electronic dance music but now striking out in new directions. Our…
Last week we had the opportunity to attend the Climate Change Forum at Standing Rock High School in Fort Yates. If there was one word to describe the experience it would be inspiring. Tribal elders, Executive Director of…
American Health Care—From Tropical Paradise To the Bottomless Muddy MuckWe have the best medical care in the world for the 10% who can afford it and the worst care for the bottom 90% among the Organization of Economic Cooperation…
To say that this year’s Bartenders Battle was the best display of talent in the six years since its creation would be an understatement and a disservice to not only the bartenders who made it into the competition, but also the…
By Jill Finkelsonjsfinkelson99@gmail.comThe unassuming old truck shop on First and University is now frying up Funky Fried Chicken for Fargo. Their menu features chicken tenders and sandwiches with a selection of sides like pimento…
By Jill Fikelsonjsfinkelson99@gmail.comDean Sime has been collecting records since he was in sixth grade. Since then, he hasn’t stopped. Though he stopped working in a music store twenty years ago, he has spent the last ten years…
Admirers of previous television and film incarnations of Charles Addams’ legendary collection of macabre icons have another variation to contemplate, but the computer-animated feature from “Sausage Party” directors Conrad…
By Lonna Whitinglonna@lonna.coNot long ago at a North Dakota nursing home located in Nelson County, a storyteller from The North Dakota Council on the Arts helped an elderly woman express in writing an important milestone from her…
By Michael Str!kemichaelstrike.solo@gmail.com“No one moves to Fargo to become a professional actor,” she said, but after starting Theatre B with her husband and a core ensemble of performers almost 18 years ago; Carrie…
Stand-up comedy is traditionally a one-way exchange. Outside of the odd question addressed to a random audience member, the limit of the spectators’ contribution to the conversation is their laughter at the comedy stylings being…
The famous 20th century Southern writer William Faulkner quipped, “Civilization begins with distillation.” Technically one brews beer instead of distilling it, but the sentiment still holds true. Fargo is no stranger to the…
Every Thursday evening during the month of June, Mara Solberg is inviting people to come out and try Yoga on the Farm. It is a unique yoga experience that was born from an idea that was proposed to Solberg.“I’ve been with Red…
by HPR Contributor
by Devin Joubertdevinlillianjoubert@gmail.comIt’s that beautiful time of the year that’s filled with seasonal decorations, sparkly lights, warm family gatherings, and delicious feasts. I love everything about this time of the…
By William Southworthwsouthwo@cord.eduThe United Kingdom has a new boss. Considered to by some to be a British counterpart to Trump, Boris Johnson is riding a wave of political discontent with a can-do attitude and bubbly stage…