Join emcee Justin Pasha (The Cup Bearer) on Thursday, May 5 at 12:30 p.m. on the Culinary & Keynote Stage as he challenges this year's competitors to deliver the most delicious cocktails in three separate categories, temperance, bourbon, and vodka. From sweet summer sippers to the darkest of winter pick-me-ups, this annual spirited (and now unspirited) event is always a good way to jumpstart your bar program for the year ahead. Mike Gorman (The Best Drink Ever) will judge this year's competition.
Why? Because recipes will be provided! Come cheer on the competitors!
This year's competitors are:
Nettie Frank (Chef, Silver Whisk)
What began with a little girl playing with ingredients in her parents' kitchen, has evolved into a profession as a nationally sought after and accomplished top chef. Nettie Frank has spent over 20 years in the culinary industry. Frank’s professional training began in 2000 at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Then, she returned to her home state of Utah to work alongside culinary artists at the prestigious Log Haven, the premiere Grand America Hotel, and the renowned Snowbasin Ski Resort.
In 2006, Frank stepped out on her own, starting Silver Whisk Catering. Silver Whisk provided delectable delights for weddings, corporate events, and high profile clients like professional golfer Tony Finau. Frank has been an invited guest chef at Disney's Food and Wine Events at resorts in both California and Florida, provided red carpet fare to celebrities at Project Angel Food in Los Angeles, and served the cast of Will and Grace at CBS studios.
Frank launched Beyond Glaze Doughnuts with her father in 2008. They quickly won a “Best in Utah Doughnuts Award” for their gourmet treats that boasted a “No Sprinkles Allowed” philosophy. This is when she caught the eye of The Food Network, appearing on the first season of Cake Wars in 2015 and earning the respect of top chefs and the adoration of a national audience.
Her on camera experience doesn't stop there, Frank is a well-known food stylist working with companies like Frigo Cheese and Santa Monica Seafood. She is a frequent guest on Utah television shows Good Things Utah and BYU's Dinner Takes All. But her favorite moments are spent where it all started, back in her own kitchen teaching budding chefs through social media and on her YouTube channel Chef Nettie Frank, and spending as much real time as possible with her husband, two children, family, and friends.
Sean O'Neil (Owner, Crafter's Cocktails)
Originally from London, England and now based in Austin, Texas, Sean O’Neill has become a craft cocktail visionary with over 17 years of experience. He began bartending in and around Atlantic City where he developed his flair for mixology. After moving to Austin in 2016, he expanded his knowledge to the world of craft beer, though his passion has always remained in craft cocktails.
Shortly after competing in the 2020 Catersource Swizzle Competition, Sean set out to find a location to open his own bar in Austin, but the coronavirus pandemic took him in a different direction. He started creating cocktail mixers and delivering them to his neighbors so people could make their own cocktails while stuck at home. It quickly developed into Crafter’s Cocktails, a business that now serves the greater Austin area and continues to grow. He has already made over 150 different cocktail mixers and is constantly experimenting with new flavor combinations.
Cindy Cafferty (Mixologist, The Chestnut Club)
Bartender and mixologist extraordinaire. Recognized as one of the top women in bartending Southern California. Currently between catering gigs - Cindy can be found at The Chestnut Club in Santa Monica where 400 different spirits adorn the wall for your drinking pleasure.
Freddie Viren (Founding Board member, Orange County USBG)
A founding Board member of the USBG (United States Bartending Guild) OC Chapter (aka Fast Freddie) is an old school top shelf bar man. Along with extensive experience in catering, bars and restaurants Freddie heads up the charity-community programs for the local USBG OC Chapter. such as food drives for the homeless and the annual blood drive.
