Grand Marnier to challenge the skills of NMI bartenders

The Northern Marianas Bartenders Association will be hosting another cocktail competition dubbed the Bartender Cocktail Competition Grand Marnier Challenge on Nov. 9, 2004 at the Madonna Disco of the Saipan Grand Hotel.

NMBA president Lito Espino said the event will have an entrance fee of $10 per participant.

The competition, slated to begin at 8:30pm, includes over $400 in total cash prizes, to go along with other prizes for winners.

Espino said each company will be limited to two representatives in the competition; however, participants will not be allowed to wear any uniform or logos that would identify the company they are representing. Instead, all participants must be dressed in black pants and an island-theme shirt.

The NMBA head explained that all participants will be identified by numbers so that judges will not know their company origin.

Each participant must provide his or her equipment, which must include a jigger of alcoholic ingredients, and will have a five-minute time limit to prepare a presentation to the panel of judges. Presentation must include one for display and three for tasting.

Also, Espino said non-edible garnish or decorations that will touch the drinks will not be allowed, as well as concocted ingredients such as ice cream and chocolate syrup, among others. As the competition will be based on the Grand Marnier, all recipes must include the product.

Finally, triple sec or Cointreou will not be allowed.

“Participants who use triple sec or such other than Grand Marnier will be automatically disqualified,” Espino said.

Espino said presentations will be judged 20 percent on originality, 30 percent on taste, 30 percent on showmanship, 10 percent on neatness, and 10 percent on audience impact.

Whoever emerges as champion will receive $150 plus a round trip from Saipan to Manila and a cellular phone, while first and second runners up will receive $100 and $50. Best in Show earns $100 plus a cellular phone.

The top three winners will also receive a trophy and medal, while the Best in Show category winner will also be awarded a trophy. Espino said all participants would receive certificates.

Aside from the NMBA, other sponsors include Grand Marnier, TITAN Imports, Pacific Trading Co., Western Sales Trading Co., Verizon, Triple B. Forwarders, Papago Island Charcoal, Tambayan Bar and Restaurant, and Elite Printing.

For more information, contact Espino at 286-9982 or email nmba_Saipan@yahoo.com. (Shan Seman)