Ultimate Takes Manhattan, Tales Funds Bartenders and Learning PR Skills

The Ultimate Beverage Challenge took over New York’s Marriott Marquis in mid-October for the Ultimate Cocktail, Spirits & Wine Blast, turning it into the city’s biggest nightclub featuring more than 250 spirits and 75-plus cocktails. Bar stars participating included Jim Meehan of PDT, Ryan McGrale of Flatiron Lounge, Lynnette Marrero of Peels, the elusive Toby Cecchini, William Grant & Sons’ Charlotte Voisey and many more. In addition to the tastings, educational seminars were led by gaz regan, Richard Paterson, Steve Olson, Jacques Bezuidenhout and others. Additionally, Dale and Jill DeGroff, F. Paul Pacult, Paterson, Regan and David Wondrich were on-hand signing their books.

The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society announces a $25,000 Cocktail Apprentice Program Scholarship Fund. Through the Tales of the Cocktail Apprentice Program, the fund will award bartenders in categories including: bartender exchange (up to $1,500), industry educational excursion (up to $2,500), continuing education (up to $5,000), scholarly project to benefit industry (up to $5,000) and industry-related cultural assistance project (up to $5,000). A committee of cocktail apprentice leaders, former apprentices and members of the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society will select recipients. All applications for scholarships funds are due Nov. 29. Contact taleself@me.com for details.

New York agency Hanna Lee Communications will share public relations and self-promotion tips in a complimentary seminar series for working bartenders and mixologists. The first seminar will kick off in January 2011 in conjunction with the U.S Bartenders Guilds' New York chapter. Lee has created and implemented numerous successful PR campaigns and presented similar seminars at the Institute of Culinary Education and other area educational centers. The two-hour seminars will cover understanding the media, being a useful source of information, navigating media interviews, using public relations to build their personal brand, seeking an agent and other topics. The seminars are designed for small groups and will foster in-depth discussions. Register or get info by e-mailing bartenderpr@hannaleecommunications.com.