Post #736179 by tikilongbeach on Wed, Jan 28, 2015 4:30 PM

http://www.sobefest.com/tiki

Tiki Contestants
Paul McGee Lost Lake
Pia Dahlquist Mai Kai
Brian Miller Tiki Mondays With Miller
P Moss Frankie's Tiki Room
Jeff Isbister Royal Kona
Rob Ferrara The Rum Line
Randy Perez The Broken Shaker
Spike Mendelsohn Spike's upcoming Miami restaurant

Judges
Emeril Lagasse
Jeff Berry Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29
Martin Cate Smuggler's Cove
Lynnette Marrero DIAGEO Rum Ambassador, DrinksAt6 NYC

We’ve enlisted the help of one of the world’s foremost mixologist, Francesco Lafranconi, to curate an evening of Polynesian flare with tiki-inspired cocktails from across the country. He’s rounded up some the best bartenders from highly regarded tiki-inspired joints across the country as they compete to be crowned tiki-King at the end of the night. Francesco, who also serves as Executive Director of Mixology and Spirits Educator for Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, will team up with SOBEWFF veteran and culinary royalty Emeril Lagasse for this unique event. Who better to host this "taste of the tropics" than Lagasse, a celebrated chef, restaurateur, television personality and author and Festival friends. An esteemed panel of judges will evaluate the contestants’ rum-centric offerings, while you sample all of the creations and enjoy light Polynesian-inspired bites. From Don the Beachcomber (both the man and the restaurant) to Trader Vic’s to every place and symbol in between, tiki is more than a drink, its a subculture enjoying a resurgence in popularity with bartenders across America and we’re bringing it back to the beach -- to South Beach!