The Blue Bar at Taj West End on Friday, saw enthusiastic bartenders of Bangalore create innovative and mind dodging concoctions for the “Belvedere Bartender Competition”, an international platform for Indian bartenders to showcase their talent. Belvedere, a luxuary vodka was the main ingredient used in the competition. Each participant presented two cocktails, their own signature recipes, served in a collins glass and in a martini glass. The competition kicked off with close to 30 participants, judged and short listed to six semi-finalist. The selection procedure involved six parameters like presentation, style, appearance, preparartion, aromas and taste of the cocktails.
Anish Trivedi, Prasad Bidapa (fashion guru) and Pradeep Andrews (owner of bartender academy,”Shaken & Stirred”) judged the contestants and finally decided to place Manu Mani Kundan from Leela Palace the winner for his innovative and flairatious drinks. “Sensation” was the main key that was judged on “a star burst that you get in your mouth” says Anish Trivedi, one of the jugdes.
Manu had that perfect blend of mix and was the most accomplished mixologist of all the contestants. He is amongst the outstanding bartenders from Mumbai and New Delhi  who are selected to represent India to compete with bartenders across Asia for the regional round in Hong Kong. All three winners will get to experience a memborable night out in Hong Kong. Besides India, winners from Local Asia Pacific Competitors too will be present for the regional competition. The world finals will be held in London later this year.
“Belvedere started the cocktail/martini trend in India and we have taken this opportunity to to take this culture to furthur heights by the first Internationa Belvedere Competion which has given the local bartenders a global platform” siad Ashwin Duo, Managing Director, Moet Hennessy India Private Limited. Hope Manu does Bangalore proud in the furthur competitions held abroad.