The first round of the Metromix Best Bartender competition turned into a true Chicago election, with the “vote early and vote often” contingent out in full force. With more than 12,200 votes, we had to conduct an official recount back at Best Bartender HQ. In the end, the readers have spoken. Now it’s time to find out whom you voted into the Final Five.
Vanessa Garippo, 27
The Local Option (1102 W. Webster Ave. 773-348-2008)
The Pimms Deluxe, $7
Vanessa created this mix of Pimms No. 6 or No. 1, Zubrowka vodka, ginger ale and apple juice as a refreshing counter to the spicy bloody mary — and her signature drink was such a hit that The Local Option even took bloodys off the menu for a while, offering her sipper instead. Now Vanessa’s serving drinks and saving money in order to start her own event planning biz; she keeps busy throwing parties for friends.
What you’re saying about Vanessa:
“Vanessa pours the best drinks in town. Not only is she a fantastic mixologist, but every time I stop in to The Option, she has an entourage of thirsty friends and supporters.” — Jeremy
Troy Hayden, 24
Goodbar (2512 N. Halsted St. 773-296-9700)
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini, $12
Troy loves pineapple upside-down cake so much that his mom always made it for his November birthday. Now he mixes up a liquid version with Absolut Vanilia, Frangelico, pineapple juice, grenadine and 7-Up. When he’s not behind the bar, Troy’s quite a clotheshorse. He confesses to shopping two to three times a week, saying he’s a skater kid who favors vintage T-shirts and gym shoes. Knowing he has 40 to 50 pairs of shoes and more clothes than his three sisters combined, we can’t wait to see what Troy wears to our big cocktail showdown.
What you’re saying about Troy:
“Troy is the best bartender ever. Especially if you go by his best shot, the Stop Light. … I’ve only taken a few of those shots, and every time I have to take a cab [home].” — Ayinde
Ann Regan, 30
Blarney Stone (3424 N.
Sheffield Ave. 773-348-1078)
Sex on the Pool Table
shot, $5
A group of Italian guys walk into a bar and order a round of Sicilian Kisses. Sounds like the beginning of a joke, right? It’s actually how Ann came up with her signature shot. The bartender told the guys she couldn’t make their shooter because of her Irish heritage, so she served them her concoction of Stoli vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice and orange juice instead. Voila! Sex on the Pool Table was born. Ann says if she makes it just right, the color matches the felt on Blarney Stone’s popular pool table.
What you’re saying about Ann:
“Ann is the best bartender. I know firsthand. I have been to the Blarney Stone; she is the bomb.” — Tricia
Jennifer Contraveos, 23
Bon V (1100 W. Randolph St. 312-829-4530)
Cane Juice, $11
Jennifer’s no stranger to competitions. Her shaking skills have won her titles across the country, and in December she’ll travel to Bordeaux, France, for a shot at another cocktail crown. But first, we’ll see if her winning recipe of Clear Creek pear brandy, 10 Cane Rum, fresh-squeezed lemon juice and homemade ginger syrup with a cinnamon-sugar rim is a hit with the hometown crowd. Jennifer says she chose the fall flavor combo of pear, cinnamon and brandy because it’s warming, and the ginger makes a nice complement.
What you’re saying about Jennifer:
“She is an amazing bartender [who creates] terrific flavor profile[s]. Her respect for technique and quality ingredients is unmatched. … What a talent!” — Hillary
Joey Kot, 34
Roscoe’s (3356 N. Halsted St. 773-281-3355)
Blue Bayou, $6
You think Roscoe’s gets crazy-busy on the weekends? Try handling the crowds during Mardi Gras or Southern Decadence (an annual gay event over Labor Day weekend) in New Orleans. That’s where Boystown bartender and self-professed computer geek Joey came up with his cocktail of Malibu Rum, Tropical Blue Island Pucker, pineapple juice, sour mix and 7-Up. But if you ask him how he was bitten by the bartending bug, Joey might tell you how his mom’s decision to leave the Chicago corporate world to open a Wisconsin bar and resort with her high-school sweetheart inspired him.
What you’re saying about Joey:
“Any Mac friend is a friend of mine, especially if they’re a mixmaster.” — 2Gees
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The big shakedown
Come to our fourth annual Best Bartender Bash on Oct. 3 at Evil Olive (details at metromix.com) and sip complimentary samples of each competitor’s signature drink. While you’re there, cast a vote for the best beverage of the night. When the party’s over, we’ll open the online polls one last time before we crown a champ.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
