Bars & Parties
Stoli Cocktail Classic inspires clever libation mixology
Freddie’s bartender advances to Key West
Josh Pocock of Freddie’s Beach Bar advances to Key West after winning the bartender competition at Nellie’s Sports Bar on Monday. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Nellie’s Sports Bar played host this week to the fourth annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, an annual LGBT bartending competition that takes place in 17 cities across the country, culminating in a final contest during Pride Week in Key West, Fla., featuring the winners from each city.
The scene was as glitter-filled and vodka-soaked as you’d hope it would be, led by Stoli’s LGBT ambassador Patrik Gallineaux, who said of the event, “There was a time when gay bars were our only community centers, our safe spaces. I remember when I was 21 and first went to a gay bar and how I felt instantly accepted for who I was. Everyone there said, ‘You belong,’ and that changed my world.”
Just three bartenders competed in the D.C. competition this year — a maximum of six are allowed — so the odds of winning a six-day trip to Key West in June were pretty good. This year’s cocktail entries had to embrace the theme of Key West while utilizing Stoli brand vodkas; contestants also had to demonstrate their cocktail before an audience of 100 eager imbibers, who would be able to sample each drink, along with four judges, to help declare a winner.
One of the judges, Troy Petenbrink, a D.C.-based food and travel writer known as the Gay Traveler, said he was looking for cocktails that embraced “the excitement, the fun and the dirtiness of Key West.”
Josh Pocock, a bartender at Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington, Va., started off the competition with true flair by combining three different Stoli flavors — Razberi, Bluberi and Citro — into a concoction he titled “Purple Haze.” By adding an extract made from red cabbage and a touch of acidity from lemon juice, Pocock’s cocktail magically changed colors, from a deep blue Caribbean color to that of a deep pink sunset. Dropping in a chunk of dry ice to create a smoking effect made for plenty of oohs and ahhs from an appreciative crowd. While the result was overly sweet for some tasters, the wow factor was in full evidence.
If you’ve never heard of a color-changing cocktail, you would certainly have learned about it at this event, because not just one, but two cocktails were given the red cabbage treatment. For the science-challenged, red cabbage juice has a naturally-occurring pigment molecule, anthocyanin, that can change the color of liquids when combined with an acid (to create red tones) or baking soda (for blue tones) — give it a try at your next party.
It was Colt Runion, a bartender at Jack Rose Dining Saloon, who used a red cabbage syrup to effect a color change for his cocktail entry, called “Changing and Showing One’s New Colors,” which he mixed up with enthusiastic vocal support from his fiancé in the audience. Eschewing the flavored vodkas, Runion stuck with classic Stoli Premium to create a high-end cocktail that incorporated a Czech herbal liqueur, Becherovka and sherry, garnished with pickled golden beets. It was a sophisticated sipper for discerning drinkers, but the judges disagreed as to its suitability for the Key West theme.
Event judge and D.C. drag favorite Sacha Adams called Runion’s slightly savory cocktail “an acquired taste”; Matthew Harden, winner of the 2016 D.C. competition, simply said, “It’s not for me,” while Petenbrink said, “This is a fabulous cocktail but I would not drink it in Key West.” JP Sabatier, GM of Rappahannock River Oysters, contradicted his fellow judges, saying, “I might order this in Key West; it’s a great cocktail with a delicious taste. When you add that pickled garnish, it’s like music in your mouth.” Stoli ambassador Gallineaux called it “one of the most interesting and well-done cocktails we’ve ever had.”
Colt Runion of Jack Rose (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
The third cocktail, presented by bartender Sean Brevard of Nellie’s, offered up the freshest flavor of the three entries and was accurately deemed a “patio pounder” by the crowd — a variation of a strawberry daiquiri, chock full of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, and with an addition of watermelon liqueur — the epitome of summer in a glass.
Sean Brevard of Nellie’s Sports Bar competes in the Stoli Cocktail Classic competition at Nellie’s Sports Bar on April 24, 2017. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)
Ultimately, flair may have won out over flavor, with Pocock taking the prize for his visually creative entry — and even Pocock may have been surprised by his ability to create such a crowd-pleaser. “I’m honestly a whiskey drinker,” he said, “but I do really love a Lemon Drop martini, so I used that as a starting point.” In preparation for the final competition in Key West in June, he’s planning on taking some pointers from the judges. Look for Pop Rocks on the rim of the glass instead of rock sugar and a touch more acidity. He’ll also plan to bring his game face: “I love interacting with customers, but this was definitely a different environment, presenting in front of an audience like that. I’ll be sure to be more upbeat and bring more personality to my presentation. Now I know what to expect.”
Fancy an opportunity to go to Key West next year? You don’t have to actually be a working bartender to enter the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, so start practicing your mixology skills now.
Kristen Hartke is a D.C.-based food and beverage writer. Follow her kitchen adventures on Instagram, @kristenhartke.
Halloween weekend is here, and here’s a list of just some of the local events if you’re looking to have a spooky good time.
Go Gay DC will host “LGBTQ+ Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This is an opportunity to mingle with LGBTQ folk and allies. Halloween costumes are encouraged or casual beach attire is fine. Attendance is free and more details are available on Eventbrite.
Mixtape Sapphics will host “Bad Witch, Good Butch: A Sapphic Halloween Dream” on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. at Revolt DC. This is a halloween party for sapphics from the ages of 35 and above. There will be costumes, connection and dancing. Tickets are $13.26 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Taste Takeover will host “Abuela Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. at 639 Florida Ave., N.W. DJ Yani will play music and there will be a costume contest with prizes to be won. Tickets cost $17.85 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Metro Cabaret Club will host “Spookshow Spectacular: Dance Place After Dark Halloween Party” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. at Dance Place. This is D.C.’s Halloween nightlife and draglesque showcase, featuring live performances, creative marketplace, and costumed revelry. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.
Punch Bowl Social will host “Halloween Bash” on Friday. Oct 31 at 9 p.m. at Punch Bowl Social Arlington. This will be a night of hauntingly good times with a killer DJ, vendors, and a costume contest. Tickets cost $12.09 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Thrust Lounge will host “Nightmare on 14th St.” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. DJ Tryfe will play music, and there’ll also be a costume contest with prizes. For more details, visit Thurst’s Instagram.
Nellie’s Sports Bar will host “Halloween Scariest Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their scariest, creepiest, most haunting look for a Halloween night they won’t forget — fueled by Casamigos and Nellie’s signature spooky fun. For more details, visit Nellie’s website.
Kiki DC will host “Kiki’s Halloween Costume Contest” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 10 p.m. This event will be hosted by Pirouette and there’ll be prizes for the top three costumes. For more details, visit Kiki’s Instagram.
Sinners and Saints will host “Heaven’s On Fire (Queer Pop Dance Party)” on Friday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. There will be two floors and music by Sonali Dawar, DJ Noons and Aria McIntosh. There will also be drink specials all night.
Crush Dance Bar will host a Halloween costume contest on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 p.m. Drag queens Empress Lena and Sasha Adams will host the event. For more details, visit Crush’s Instagram.
Arts & Entertainment
D.C. bars step up to offer discounts for fed’l employees
Deals, freebies, events, and happy hours galore
(Editor’s note: This list was compiled on Wednesday afternoon and is not meant to be comprehensive. If you would like to add your bar’s specials, please email [email protected].)
As the federal government comes to a standstill, the DMV restaurant and bar community has come to the aid of furloughed workers, who suddenly have plenty of time on their hands. More than a handful of spots are offering deals, discounts, freebies, events, and more. Many do require an identification to validate employment status. Plus, this shutdown looks like it’s here to stay for some time, so take advantage.
Franklin Hall: This sports bar on Florida Avenue is kicking off the shutdown hard: offering $6 Mixed Drinks, Canned Beers, and “furloughed Shooters” – as well as a free food buffet 4PM-6PM.
Carmine’s, located downtown, is offering steep discounts – $5 meatball sliders, and $8 cocktails: “Here We Go Again” and “The Essential Worker.” Carmine’s specifically noted that the specials are open to all, not just affected workers.
Compass Coffee is offering a free pastry with a drink purchase.
Cork Wine Bar and Market on 14th Street is offering a long happy hour – from 3 p.m. to close with wine specials, plus discounted fries and snacks.
Union Pub is providing steeply cheap beer ($3), alongside discounted hot dogs.
Two locations of Hank’s Oyster Bar are serving up all-day happy hour at the bar, along with $2.50 oysters and a percent off checks for federal workers.
Boqueria DC is giving federal workers with ID happy hour pricing all day long: meaning cheaper sangria, wine, beer, and lots of tapas.
Osteria Morini in D.C. is offering a “Federal Employee Appreciation Special” with $15 pastas for federal employees; Cucina Morini has $10 “primi pastas.”
Duke’s Grocery is offering a complimentary drink: A free shot of bourbon or a glass of house wine when you buy any burger or entrée. Plus, there are $5 select beers.
Thompson Restaurants is offering all government employees 20% off their bill by showing a valid government ID. The offer spans 11 of Thompson’s restaurant brands and more than 65 locations across the DMV, including Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns, and more.
Shaw’s Tavern: $5 beers, $6 wine, $7 Deep Eddy, $10 burger and pizza, with ID.
LGBTQ BARS
Crush: This bar is offering a “Pouring it forward” event with a free vodka hour, 10-11 p.m. this Friday.
Number Nine is offering $9 cocktails all night after 9 p.m.
Bunker has free entry for anyone with government, contractor, military IDs this weekend.
District Eagle offers 30% off drinks for anyone with government, contractor, or military IDs this weekend.
Kiki has free Deep Eddy happy hour 8-9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Her Diner offers all-night drink specials with ID.
Bars & Parties
Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party set for May 16
Rehoboth Beach event to feature politicos, journalists, special guests
The Washington Blade’s 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 16 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
The event, held at the Blue Moon (35 Rehoboth Ave.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient is Abigail Hatting, a rising senior at American University.
This year’s event will feature remarks from state Sen. Russ Huxtable, who recently introduced a state constitutional amendment to codify the right of same-sex couples to marry. CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak, in addition to surprise guests. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
A suggested donation of $20 is partially tax deductible and includes drink tickets and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
Erica Deuso elected as Pa.’s first openly transgender mayor
LGBTQ legal leaders to Supreme Court: ‘honor your president, protect our families’
Suicide and the policy crisis facing trans Americans
Nancy Pelosi: an LGBTQ appreciation of the retiring House speaker emerita
Gala Hispanic Theatre’s Flamenco Festival returns
‘Sandwich guy’ not guilty in assault case
Gay speedskater racing toward a more inclusive future in sports
Jonathan Bailey is People’s first openly gay ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
FBI thwarts Halloween terror plot targeting Mich. LGBTQ bars
Blue wave hits Northeast: Sherrill and Mamdani lead Democratic comeback
-
District of Columbia2 days ago‘Sandwich guy’ not guilty in assault case
-
Sports2 days ago
Gay speedskater racing toward a more inclusive future in sports
-
Celebrity News4 days ago
Jonathan Bailey is People’s first openly gay ‘Sexiest Man Alive’
-
Michigan4 days ago
FBI thwarts Halloween terror plot targeting Mich. LGBTQ bars
