The Chief bartender of two our Warsaw casinos - at the Marriott and the Hyatt Hotel - Piotr Smolarz is the 2nd runner-up in qualifications to World Cocktail Championship.
The Chief bartender of two our Warsaw casinos - at the Marriott and the Hyatt Hotel - Piotr Smolarz is the 2nd runner-up in qualifications to World Cocktail Championship that will take place in Puerto Rico in October this year.
Except for qualifying to World Championship, he also won a prize of 5-days trip to France combined with visiting of 4 vineyards and the factory of liqueurs and syrups Monin.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
An interview with Piotr SMOLARZ made for CASINO quarterly:
- You're representing Poland at the International Bartenders Association Congress and the Bartenders' Championship in Puerto Rico in Ocober. Will this be your debut in this event?
I've participated in congresses and championships like this on several occasions. The championships are held in a different part of the world every year. The last one was held in taiwan and I was a delegate of the Polish Bartenders Association and a member of the jury. i last competed in Greece where i won third place.
- How many people participated inthe last competition?
This is a highly presitigious event and each country can only enter one contestant. The taiwan competition featured 64 top bartenders from all over the world (some 600-700 people attended the congress alone). The winner was a barmaid from Estonia.
- Did you manage to reach the finals in Greece?
As I said, I won third place in an international competition and I am very proud of it.
- How many contestants did you have to beat in this year's national eliminations?
Thirty seven contestants qualified for the eliminations. I came in second.
- How long does the Championship event take?
The congress lasts a week. Most of that time is devoted to educational activities. Sponsors organise training sessions and product presentations that go on for days. We tour hotels, bars, restaurants and do some sightseeing as well. It's highly educational.
What about the most exciting part of the whole event, the competitions?
The best classical cocktail competition takes a day. Bartenders are assessed by a sampling committee which evaluates taste, appearance and aroma, and by technical committee which follows a strict set of guidelines. They have to grade bartending skills and technique, i.e. the sequence of pouring the ingredients, chilling the glass, selecting the ingredients, and decorating the cocktail. The six best performers qualify for the finals and the winner is awarded the title of World Champion.
- One last question. How long have you been working as a bartender5?
Eight years. It was just a hobby at first, but after a while, I decided to go professional. last year, I became President of the Head Office of the Polish Bartenders Association and senior bartender for Casinos Poland's Warsaw casinos. This job has given me the opportunity to travel extensively. I've been to the US, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and numerous European countries. This is a job for people who thrive on big challanges and who know how to conquer the hearts and palates of people all over the world.
- Thank you for the interview and best of luck in October.
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