The fifth annual event was a whizz-bang success
“This is just what we do,” says Trevor Kallies, president of the B.C. chapter of the Canadian Bartender Association and the creative force behind one of Vancouver’s most dynamic cocktail events. “This” isn’t just making great drinks, although it’s that, too. Mostly, though, it’s coming together to help those who need it most.
And that’s just what Vancouver’s top bartenders did on February 6 at the fifth annual Science of Cocktails, when they surpassed a cumulative milestone of $1.2 million raised for the Class Field Trip Bursary Program. The program allows classes from underserved schools to visit Science World by covering 50 to 100 per cent of their admission and transportation. This year alone, it will help 9,000 kids visit the geodesic dome in False Creek.
Throughout the night, bartenders demonstrated how science makes cocktails delicious at nearly 40 stations set up throughout Telus World of Science. Local chefs prepared treats to enjoy alongside. And drag queen Conni Smudge entertained the crowd with her wit, charm and inimitable dance moves.
Matthew Benevoli, formerly of Nomad, won the cocktail competition with his Renovatio cocktail (the name means “rebirth” in Latin), an elegant, subtle and sustainable concoction of grappa, Odd Society Bittersweet Vermouth, grapefruit juice, homemade sweetened coconut and blanched almond milk, grapefruit and cardamom bitters, and a grapefruit peel garnish.
Meanwhile, at the culinary competition, Peake of Catering chef Michael Chan took home the prize for best dish overall, and Donnelly Group chef Brian Zuzartee won the People’s Choice Award. Honourable Mentions were: Vancouver Private Dining chef Evan Elman (Best Flavour); Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar chef Roger Ma (Best Presentation); Showcase chef Westley T Feist (Best Originality); and Notch 8 chef Dennis Peckham (Best Science).
Science of Cocktails has been a sellout five years running, so you might want to get your tickets for the February 4, 2021, event as soon as you can. Presale tickets are available until February 28 at $135 for general admission and $225 for VIP at scienceworld.ca.
—by Joanne Sasvari
