VietNamNet Bridge – Around 130 of the best bartenders from restaurants and bars nationwide will compete in a national contest in June in a bid to represent Vietnam in the World Class 2013 bartender contest in Europe in July.

Tim Phillips, the World Class 2012 champion in Brazil, makes a special cocktail at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers in District 1.

Stephane Gripon, general director of Diageo Vietnam, the organizer of the national contest, said that contestants will be trained by the world’s leading bartenders.

The winner of the national round will have a chance to compete with 50 international bartenders in the World Class.

Tim Phillips, the World Class 2012 champion in Brazil, said: “I had a chance to meet Vietnamese bartenders who make very professional cocktails. However, to win this contest, contestants need to be confident enough to impress with their own styles and be modest and friendly, the most important characteristics in the hospitality sector.”

The contest was held for the first time in 2009. Diageo Vietnam organized the country’s first national round last year as the drinks giant recognizes the importance of developing the careers of bartenders, which will help bolster local tourism.

Last year, Pham Tien Tiep defeated 30 other contestants to represent the nation in the final round of World Class 2012 in Brazil.

Source: SGT