Elm City Social Hosts “Shave the Chef” Bartending Competition

New Haven’s Elm City Social hosted a “Shave the Chef” bartending competition to raise money for men’s health awareness on November 28. Using Jameson Irish Whiskey as the featured spirit, 15 bartenders whipped up their best after-Thanksgiving themed cocktails for a chance at the winning spot. Guests sipped specialty cocktails featuring Jameson as they watched the competition. The winners were First Place: Jenna Geysen of Chango Rosa; Second Place: Stephanie Cohen of Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen; and Third Place: Jonathan Mitchell. The competition was judged by Tim Cabral of Ordinary. In the event’s finale, guests watched as Cabral shaved the beard of Elm City Social Chef John Brennan. Proceeds from the event benefited the Movember Foundation, a charity dedicated to tackling health issues facing men.

: Back row: Derek Munzenmayer; Dan Shekman, Oak Haven; Conrad Meurice, Chango Rosa; Myles Walsh, Taprock; Jonathan Mitchell; Dan Rek, Elm City Social. Lower row: Dustin Amorae, The Cook & The Bear; Tim Cabral, Ordinary; Moises Ramirez, Ordinary; Rebecca Ryder, Taprock; Jenna Geysen, Chango Rosa; Stephanie Cohen, Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen; John Brennan, Elm City Social; Mary Zalewa, Pernod Ricard USA; Dayna Kasprzycki, Pernod Ricard USA; and Katie Trubinski, Pernod Ricard USA.

: Local bartenders squared off for a chance to win the Golden Turkey Trophy in the “Shave the Chef” bartending competition at Elm City Social on November 28.

: Bartenders created cocktails using featured spirits from the Jameson Whiskey line, including Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition and Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition.

: Molly Bentley, Sales Representative, Brescome Barton; Veronica Saurett, Wine Account Development Manager, Brescome Barton; and Gary Dritschler, Market Manager, Campari USA.

: Dayna Kasprzycki, Multicultural Retail Account Specialist, Pernod Ricard USA; Vincent Rossetti, Craft Portfolio Manager, Eder Bros., Inc.; Katie Trubinski, Retail Account Specialist, Pernod Ricard USA; and Mary Zalewa, On/Off-Premise Retail Account Specialist, Pernod Ricard USA.

: Dan Rek, Elm City Social; third-place winner Jonathan Mitchell; first-place winner Jenna Geysen, Chango Rosa; and second-place winner Stephanie Cohen, Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen.