May 22, 2008

Vancouver Mixologists Represent Canada in France
for Giffard International Competition


May 22, 2008 (Vancouver, BC) – It is a sign of Vancouver’s excellence in the arts of food and drink that both of the competitors Canada is sending to this year’s prestigious Giffard International Competition in France are local talent. Brian Grant of Yew Restaurant & Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel and Josh Pape of Chambar Belgian Restaurant will compete in the prestigious Giffard Cocktail Challenge in Anger, France on May 26, 2008.

Giffard liqueurs and syrups are known worldwide as the high-quality ingredients in some of the world’s best cocktails. The annual Giffard International Competition is a chance for bartenders from various countries including Germany, England, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia and Canada to exercise their creativity and innovation.

The portion of the International Competition in which Josh and Brian will compete is called the Giffard Cocktail Challenge. It is an improvisation competition. One hour before the beginning of the Challenge the competitors will draw lots to determine which Giffard liqueur they will have to include in their creation. The competitors will then have one hour to create their recipe. The drinks will be judged on both taste and presentation.

Both men bring an abundance of talent and experience to the international competition. Brian Grant has been bartending since age 19, and has worked at a range of establishments from busy nightclubs to elite cocktail bars. Josh Pape started his career at Vancouver’s Chambar but took advantage of an opportunity to work with award-winning mixologists in Australia for a year. He has earned praise and accolades at numerous competitions, and now is Chambar’s bar manager. Brian won first place and Josh second place at the Canadian Giffard Iron Mixology Event in September of 2007, earning the privilege of competing in France this May. They will leave for France on Thursday, May 22. Good luck fellas!!!

www.giffard.com
www.nonsdrinks.com

Media contact: Dana Lee Harris
Dana Lee Consulting
P- 604-986-3262
F -604-986-3256
Danalee.harris@shaw.ca