The beloved "Best Of" issue - everyone in the restaurant industry awaits it with an appetite. The rumors fly, the questions gnaw; who is going to get what this year? And then for one week, a year's worth of dedication and voters' fickleness is presented in grandeur, and it's the talk of the town for days until something more interesting comes into play - like whether we'll dredge Mirror Pond or if they'll ever finish resurfacing the parkway.
But should someone needed to know who the second best bartender in Bend is, well that's when I would blow off my fingernails, polish them on my shoulder, and proudly proclaim that I was the person they were seeking. Because, you might not know this, but for the life of me I cannot win that category. Cocktail show, cocktail classes, cocktail column, Las Vegas cocktail contest, radio promo, none of this is enough in today's highly competitive popularity contest.
I'm not quite sure what this Will Pack guy has going on but I suspect that it has something to do with the Russian Mafia and a pack of Eastern European hookers casting illegal votes. Some might call me a sore loser or even a conspiracist, but I feel like there's been a lot more ladies in town named Ivanka and this would certainly explain it. Nonetheless, I would like to congratulate Will Pack on his win. And give myself a little pat on the back for the best cocktail list category where Blacksmith took first and 28 took runner up - both my babies - and since they are the only children I have, I don't mind showing them off. So, thank you Bend for all your votes. And to the Russian Mafia: isn't there some business to tend to over in Hood River?
The Best Of
1 oz Mint Syrup
1 oz Fresh Lime
5 oz Champagne
Cherries for garnish
