August 10, 2008

Do you have what it takes to compete in the world bartending championships?

Some local bartenders think they do, and Monday they'll test their skills before some tough judges.

A qualifying round for the TGI Friday's World Bartending Championships has never been held in Charlottesville before, until this year.

Monday night, mixologists will compete, and try to advance to the championship in Las Vegas.

Throughout the United States, all the money raised will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Crystal Powell is competing in the championship this year, "It's not just about flipping bottles. It's about personality and warmth, and creating a place that people want to come back to."

Powell, and three other bartenders at TGI Friday's will try to advance to the next round of the restaurant's bartending championships.

The World Championships in Las Vegas is one of the most respected and challenging bartending competitions.

"I'm looking forward to seeing if I can actually manage to do some tricks consistently," says Powell. "I'm very inconsistent, so I'll see how it goes."

To win, you have to impress the judges with your "flair."

Lynne Pontillo is the Bar Manager of the TGI Friday's in Charlottesville:
"They have to make a drink with the flair. You do whatever you flair is. Some people throw bottles, and some people just have fun."

All the proceeds from the event will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for kids with life-threatening medical conditions.

"I'm just really excited to be able to be a part of this and help a great cause" says Pontillo. "It's very close to my heart."

And for Crystal, it's all about helping others--and having fun at the same time.

"I worked in social services for a while doing some nonprofit work, and I think that Make-a-Wish is a great organization."

If you want to cheer on these local bartenders, stop by TGI Friday's Monday. The judging begins at around 7 pm and organizers say local Deejay P.J. Styles from Hot 101.9 will be DJ' ing the contest, so it's not too late to fill out a star and donate to the cause.

Several local businesses, including the Alltel store, Maggie Moos, the Hair Cuttery, and Bubbles, donated door prizes for the competition.

Last year, more than 8,000 bartenders competed from 60 different countries.