7/3/2023 0 Comments National bartender day 2019![]() You’re identifying what they need in that particular moment and giving them an experience that fits those needs.”Īt Little Hong Kong, where Grant runs a menu-free cocktail program, his ability to treat guests with the upmost respect has been finely honed. “What I’ve come to realize is that in all these jobs…you’re engaging with people. He “fell into” bartending, at a brewpub in London, England, after failing to land a job in corporate communications. Hospitality comes naturally to Grant, a former funeral director - “the most depressing party planner in existence,” he notes. His north star, since then, has been to apply a hospitalityfirst style of bartending to everything he does. Now I’ve won this competition and I still don’t know how far it’s going to take me.”įor the time being, he is working at Edmonton’s Little Hong Kong, a 16-seat speakeasy behind Baijiu, where he started five years ago. I made all these World Class connections that have defined my career. “Instead of giving up, I went back and kept improving year after year. “That small gesture of kindness and hospitality changed my life,” Grant says. “Don’t let this define you,” the 2013 Canadian champion advised, giving him a hug. After losing, and bawling, he was taken aside by judge Jenner Cormier. Ten Martini, Grant recalls his first sorry attempt, at the 2017 National Finals. Which makes him the most tenacious World Class competitor in the country - and the tears more poignant.Įight months later, sitting in Vancouver’s Lobby Lounge, savouring his victory and a 50/50 Tanqueray No. The typically poised Edmontonian, who competes, wearing velvet tuxedos and a crooked grin under his suave moustache, had already earned a bittersweet claim to fame for trying and crying at five consecutive Canadian finals, eventually conquering the last one. The emotional release wasn’t all that unusual, considering it’s the biggest bartending competition on the planet. JAMES GRANT BURST INTO TEARS AFTER WINNING the Diageo World Class Global Finals last summer. Best Pastry Chef 2019: Celeste Mah- Raymonds.Lifetime Achievement Award 2019: Normand Laprise – Toque`!.Most Outstanding Chef 2019: Patrick Kriss.One to Watch Young Chef 2019: Massimo Piedimonte. ![]()
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