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Bar Wars: Santa Fe Harvest Festival

November 8, 2011

Not so long long ago in a resort & casino not so far far away, twenty one of Santa Fe’s top (jedi?) bartenders went head to head in a cocktail competiton as a part of the Santa Fe Harvest Festival.  Each bartender was required to create an original drink using Tequila Avion, and was provided a “pantry’ of various liqueurs, bitters, and a host of fresh fruit.  Each one was judged by a panel of cocktail experts (including little ole me) on originality, use of ingredients, creativity, garnish and technical performace.

The first round competition was held at Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino’s Club Warehuse last Sundaty, and the evening had many highlights as the bartenders showed off their talents.  The top 8 bartenders will compete again this Sunday November 13 starting around 2pm at The Eldorado Hotel for a cash prize of $1000!

Here are the Finalists:

Alex Velez, Amavi
Sergio Perez, Luminaria at Inn of the Loretto
Veronica Rae Raffensperger, Eldorado Hotel
Forrest Wynn, Milagro 139
James Reis, Inn of the Anasazi
Melanie Liparulo, Sleeping Dog Tavern
Adrienne Miller, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Todd Walker, Secreto Lounge at Hotel St. Francis
Tony Fiorina, Milagro 139
Dana Luttrell, Tiny’s

Come out and support you favprite Santa Fe Bartenders!  Tickets are acavilable from the Santa Fe Harvest Festival website.

3 Comments leave one →
  1. November 13, 2011 9:25 pm

    Chris,
    It was great to meet you last week. Nice to know a fellow southern boy can do such great things here in the wild west! Keep up the good work and hope to see you again soon.
    Miller

  2. November 14, 2011 5:59 pm

    I greatly appreciate all the info I’ve read here. I will spread the word about your blog to other people. Cheers.
    My travel blog Top Travel Destinations.

  3. November 15, 2011 8:11 am

    It was great meeting you as well, and I look forward to next time

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