The Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition has announced its Lucky 13—the thirteen bartenders who will on Aug. 21 to compete for the Midwest’s premier bartending title. Of course, it’s not all luck. Each of these pros has already created a unique cocktail; next, they must batch it for the event’s tasting room (which means you, assuming you buy a ticket) and prepare it onstage at The Uptown for a panel of judges that includes Dale DeGroff, perhaps one of the most influential cocktail experts in the world. Oh, and they have to make a surprise classic cocktail and answer questions. It’s a lot of pressure. I, for one, can’t wait to see who does it best.
Tony Beyer, Benton’s Prime Chop House, Kansas City
Valdez Campos, Manifesto/The Rieger, Kansas City
Chad George, Demun Oyster Bar, St. Louis
Matthew Herman, Trezo Vino, Leawood
Jason Kimbrel, Tannin Wine Bar, Kansas City
Shannon Ponche, Taste, St. Louis
Justin Richardson, The American, Kansas City
Berto Santoro, Extra Virgin, Kansas City
Matt Seiter, Sanctuaria, St. Louis
Travis Stewart, Chaz on The Plaza, Kansas City
Jennifer Tosatto, Manifesto/The Rieger, Kansas City
Paige Unger, M&S Grill, Kansas City
Jon Yeager, Watanabe Sushi & Asian Cuisine, Nashville, Tenn.