When the professionals belly up to the bar, you can bet the mixing and pouring reaches a high level. Just ask the crowd of adult beverage heavy-hitters who settled in at Triniti Tuesday night as the sleek restaurant kicked off its Guest Bartender Series benefiting local non-profits.
Bad News Bar bartender Brandon Ricks took over the bar, shaking and stirring his creations well into the night while Triniti's new bar manager Laurie Sheddan and Leslie Ross, the Ladies of Libation, welcomed the thirsty throng.
RDG's Chris Frankel led the bartender contingent that included Cordua's James Watkins, Matt Todd of Batanga and Beaver's bar manager Michael Rojas. The sommelier/wine director mix included Vanessa Trevino Boyd of 60 Degrees Mastercraft, Antonio Gianola of the Wine Merchant and Adele Corrigan at 13 Celsius.
The mixologist mix-up continues every Tuesday night, 7 to 10 p.m, through Feb. 18 with all tips donated to a charity of the bartender's choice. Triniti will match tips up to $1,000. Tuesday night's take will go to 86 Cancer, a non-profit formed to aid Matt Todd, recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, in paying his medical bills.
Republic National Distributing Co.'s Greg Doxakis takes over the bar on Jan. 21, with tips also going to 86 Cancer. On Jan. 28, William Grant & Sons' Chip Hight will stir and shake with tips donated to the Blue Cure Foundation. Sheridan Fay of El Gran Malo/El Big Bad will donate tips from her Feb. 4 stint to 86 Cancer. Hal Brock of Glazer's takes the helm on Feb. 11 and will send his tips to Yes! Prep. Cordua Restaurant's James Watkins closes out the series with plans to donate his tips Casa de Esperanza, a Cordua family favorite.
Bad News Bar's Brandon Ricks takes over the bar at Triniti from bartender Leslie Ross in the Guest Bartender Series.
