Yeah, we know the Cubs are in the playoffs, but what’s more exciting than watching our Final Five as they go shaker to shaker at the Best Bartender Bash? Join us at Evil Olive from 8 to 11 p.m. Wednesday (see sidebar for details) to sample your favorite mixologist’s signature concoction — drinks are complimentary. Then cast your vote for the Best Bartender online: The poll is open on metromix.com now through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Jennifer Contraveos, 23
Bon V (1100 W. Randolph St. 312-829-4805)
Try it tonight: Cane Juice
Why is your drink the tastiest? It’s original; the flavors are all dynamic so you can taste each one within the drink. Plus, it’s paying homage to the [fall] season.
Why are you the Best Bartender? I learned how to bartend in a very conservative, efficient way, and I’ve continued to educate myself and others in the same way. And I’m very passionate about spirits in general.
Ann Regan, 30
Blarney Stone (3424 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-348-1078)
Try it tonight: Sex on the Pool Table shot
Why is your drink the tastiest? It’s a nice refreshing shot; the melon taste cleanses your palate. You can have my shot and quickly move on to what you were drinking before.
Why are you the Best Bartender? Because I think bartending is not about what drink you can make — it’s about personality. Every night I’m throwing a party, and I want everyone to have a good time.
Vanessa Garippo, 27
The Local Option (1102 W. Webster Ave. 773-348-2008)
Try it tonight: The Pimms Deluxe
Why is your drink the tastiest? It’s pleasing to the palate, refreshing and not overpowering.
Why are you the Best Bartender? I’m big on establishing personal relationships with many of my patrons. Remembering them, what they like to drink, engaging in small talk and remembering small details about what’s going on in their life makes them special.
Troy Hayden, 24
Goodbar (2512 N. Halsted St. 773-296-9700)
Try it tonight: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Martini
Why is your drink the tastiest? If you?ve ever had pineapple upsidedown cake, it tastes so much like the real thing. (Psst: We hear Troy might bring some cake to the party so you can compare.)
Why are you the Best Bartender? Pouring drinks aside, you won?t have a better time with anybody else behind the bar. It?s about the energy you get from your bartender?you?re having a good time because I?m having a good time.
Joey Kot, 34
Roscoe?s (3356 N. Halsted St. 773-281-3355)
Try it tonight: Blue Bayou
Why is your drink the tastiest? It?s like drinking a tropical vacation. And it?s blue?go Cubs!
Why are you the Best Bartender? I think I treat everybody really well. As soon as I serve somebody, I can remember them when they walk in a second time and have their drink ready when they come up to the bar.
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Best Bartender Bash
Evil Olive
1551 W. Division St. 773-235-9100
8-11 p.m. Wednesday No cover
– Complimentary samples of the finalists’ signature drinks.
– Text voting for the “Best drink of the night.” One random texter wins a Metromix/RedEye prize pack.
– Half-price select Evil Olive specialty cocktails.
– Pogo and crew from “Metromix” on CLTV film.
– Giveaways include Metromix mints, movie passes and more.
– Guest DJ spins rock, hip-hop and house.
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More kudos
A special shoutout to the others who made our Top 10: Dano of Skylark, Amanda Hartman of Chromium, Rashed Islam of Viet Bistro, Mariah Naella of Butterfly Social Club and Danny Woods of Martini Park.
