There are three things I am now sure of, due to my participation as a judge in the Stool Pigeon's Coop & Grill Grand Prix Bartender Competition.
First, people will do and say anything if they think they can get a free drink out of you. Hence the VCU kid praising Richmond.com's "fantastic preview coverage" of the event again … and again … and again throughout the night.
Second, there is a lot you can do to mess up a perfectly good drink. I now question if I really know what my favorite shooter is actually supposed to taste like.
Lastly, there is a bartender in this town who goes by the name of Foot.
And coincidentally, it's this man (named after an appendage) who happens to be leading the competition, with Lynchburg bartender Brad and local bartender, Erin, following behind in second and third place respectively.
Due to some confusion, only five out of the expected 30 to 45 bartenders showed up.
"They thought it was an open competition for either of the two nights we had scheduled," said Christine Golding, a bartender at Stool Pigeons and coordinator of the competition.
To rectify the situation, Stool Pigeon's added a second preliminary round last night, which Richmond.com was unable to attend and judge, to lock in the final 10 bartenders who will compete for the championship this Sunday, Aug. 31.
The winner of the Grand Prix will not only take pleasure in having full-fledge bragging rights but will be taking home an impressive trophy to place on the mantel (not to mention a plethora of cash, vacation and ticket prizes). In addition, he or she will also be named the number one contender to go against judge and bartender extraordinaire Adam "The Hurricane" Hinkle in a competition to be held later in the fall.
Just like last time, Matt Russell, district manager for Stool Pigeons, promises spectators a great show.
"Whether you know someone competing or you just like a bar atmosphere, it really will be fun for both the people in the contest and for the people watching."
The first-ever Grand Prix Bartender Competition championships will be held from 8 p.m. to whenever the last drink is poured on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Stool Pigeons Coop & Grill. For more information, call (804) 344-4490.