CDI Hosts Service Industry Night at Infinity Hall

Hartford’s Infinity Music Hall and Bistro hosted the second annual New England Service Industry Night on July 25 to celebrate the work of those in the hospitality and service industries. The event was sponsored by Bacardi and Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI). The night included a Blind Iron Bartending competition, a speed bartending challenge and a restaurant “Jeopardy” game. Ashley Lurie of The Loft won “Best Overall Cocktail” and Andres Soriano of Max Fish won “Most Creative Cocktail” in the blind bartending competition. Aaron Stepka of Millwright’s won at restaurant “Jeopardy,” and Mike Skehan of J. Gilbert’s won the speed bartending challenge. Local and national beers, wines and spirits were available for tasting. Yard Bird Co. and NoRA Cupcake food trucks were also on hand.

: Infinity Music Hall and Bistro in Hartford hosted trade professionals for the second annual Service Industry Night on July 25.

: Thomas Hooker Brewery of Bloomfield featured its local beers.

: Mike Mills, Brand Ambassador, RIPE, showcased their all-natural bar juice line.

: Rose McLean, Wine Manager, CDI; Chrissy Amatrudo, Bacardi Portfolio Manager, CDI; Nadine Gengras, Spirits Account Development Manager, CDI.

: Restaurant trivia contestants: Aaron Stepka, Bar Manager of Millwrights; John Phillips-Sandy, Bartender, Waterford Hotel Group; Matt Sternberg, General Manager, Half Door. Stepka took first place.

: Rob Goldberg, Event Emcee and Host of “Bar Rated Trivia” with Nadine Gengras, Spirits Account Development Manager, Connecticut Distributors, Inc. (CDI).

: Competitors during the speed challenge.

: Mike Skehan, Bartender, J. Gilbert’s, Winner of the Speed Bartending Challenge.

: Competitors during the Blind Iron Bartending challenge.

: Andres Soriano, Bar Manager, Max Fish won the Blind Iron Bartending Competition for “Most Creative Cocktail.”

: CDI’s Nadine Gengras with Ashley Lurie, Bartender, The Loft and Rob Goldberg, Emcee and Host of “Bar Rated Trivia.” Lurie won the Blind Iron Bartending Competition for “Best Overall Cocktail.”