VanFoodies.com

On Monday, September 25, 11 professional barchefs and four apprentice bartenders competed at the 2017 MADE WITH LOVE Vancouver Regional Competition. The professionals were competing for a spot to represent the region at the Nationals next year.

At the event, not only were the barchefs trying to win the judges’ heart, but they were also trying to impress every event guest. We were given two “dogtag” necklaces, to vote for our favourite barchef and apprentice bartender.

We got to sample each cocktail, along with some canape pairings.

There were some interesting ingredients in the cocktail recipes, including grand fir, egg white, bird’s eye chili, and rose hip. Of course, there was use of bitters and different types of fruit.

Here are the results:

Judges’ Choice:

1. Chelsea Rose Schulte- Cocktails & Canapes Catering + Events
2. Dylan Robert Williams – The Westin Bayshore
3. David Bulters – Juniper

Public’s Choice:

1. Dylan Robert Williams – The Westin Bayshore
2. Daniel O’Hearn – Reflections Bar – Hotel Georgia
3. Chelsea Rose Schulte – Cocktails & Canapes Catering + Events

Congratulations to Chelsea and Dylan who rose to the top. They will go on to the National Finals in May 2018 and will have a chance to win one of 10 trips to one of the MADE WITH LOVE’s affiliated distilleries.

Apprentice Competition Special Mention:

1. Sam Hirano – Brandywine Bartending

Here is a shout out to other participants:

Professionals:

• Peter Johanson – Bar Oso
• Elson Cheng – Anh and Chi
• Tiffanie Hensel – The Pawnshop YVR

Apprentices from Brandywire Bartending:

• Carter Morgan
• Shane Boutilier
• Ryan Riley

Disclosure: I received a complimentary event pass to attend this event.